# canto

/ˈkæntoʊ/ (US) · /kˈɑːntəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/canto
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a long section of a poem, especially one that is written in a musical or dramatic style. It is like a chapter in a book, but for poetry.

For teachers: a long division of a poem, typically one that is written in a dramatic or musical style. Often used to refer to the structural units of epic or narrative poetry.

## Examples

- The poet finished writing the first canto of his new epic.
- Each canto in the poem tells a different part of the hero's journey through the mountains.
- The author structured the entire narrative into five distinct cantos, each exploring a different theme while maintaining a consistent lyrical rhythm throughout the work.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.