Meaning & use
rhyme scheme
Last updated
UK/ˈraɪm skiːm/
US/ˈraɪm skiːm/
Meaning
nouncountable
The pattern of rhymes at the end of each line in a poem, often marked with letters like ABAB.
Grammar: Countable; can be used with 'a' or in the plural, e.g., 'different rhyme schemes'.
Patterns
- rhyme scheme of something
- rhyme scheme in something
The rhyme scheme of this poem is AABB.
Poets often vary the rhyme scheme to create different effects.
Can you identify the rhyme scheme in the first stanza?
Word forms
| plural | rhyme schemes |
|---|
Common combinations
- ABAB rhyme scheme
- The sonnet uses an ABAB rhyme scheme.
- alternating rhyme scheme
- The poem has an alternating rhyme scheme.
- complex rhyme scheme
- The poet employed a complex rhyme scheme.
- identify the rhyme scheme
- Students were asked to identify the rhyme scheme.
Synonyms and how they differ
- rhyming pattern
- A more general term that can refer to any arrangement of rhymes, not necessarily labeled with letters.
Practice
What does a rhyme scheme describe?
Choose one answer.
A rhyme scheme specifically refers to the pattern of rhymes, often marked with letters. Rhythm refers to meter, alliteration to initial sounds, and stanza length to the number of lines.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “rhyme scheme”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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