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Limerick: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽค
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limerick

 

[ หˆlษชmษ™หŒrษชk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

poetic form

A limerick is a form of witty or humorous verse that consists of five lines. The first, second, and fifth lines typically have seven to nine syllables and share a rhyme, while the third and fourth lines have five to seven syllables and share a different rhyme. Limericks often contain a playful twist or punchline, and their rhythm is characterized by a bouncy, anapestic meter. They are known for their light-hearted nature and are often used in comic poetry.

Synonyms

comic verse, humorous rhyme, light poetry

Examples of usage

  • There once was a cat in a hat.
  • A limerick is often quite chat.
  • In England, they sing.
  • With humor, they bring.
  • Joy to all with a spat.

Translations

Translations of the word "limerick" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น limerick

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฒเคพเค‡เคฎเคฐเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Limerick

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ limerick

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปั–ะผะตั€ะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ limerick

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒชใƒกใƒชใƒƒใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท limerick

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ limerick

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท limerick

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฆฌ๋จธ๋ฆญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ุงูŠู…ุฑูŠูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ limerick

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ limerick

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰“ๆฒน่ฏ—

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ limerick

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ limerick

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะปั–ะผะตั€ะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒ˜แƒ›แƒ”แƒ แƒ˜แƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ limerick

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ limerick

Etymology

The word 'limerick' is believed to have originated from the Irish city of Limerick, where this specific poetic form became popularly associated. The form gained prominence in the 19th century, notably through the works of Edward Lear, a British poet known for his humorous verse, which often included limericks. These playful, often nonsensical poems quickly became a staple of English comic poetry. The structure of the limerick is distinct with its characteristic rhyme scheme (AABBA) and rhythm, which makes it easily memorable and enjoyable. The limerick's appeal extends beyond its origin, as it has been embraced by poets and writers worldwide for its flexibility and capacity for humor.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,850, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.