# sonnet

/ˈsɑnɪt/ (US) · /sˈɒnɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sonnet
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a short poem with exactly fourteen lines. It usually follows a specific pattern of rhymes and rhythm, often used to talk about love or deep feelings.

For teachers: a poem consisting of fourteen lines, typically written in iambic pentameter and following a specific rhyme scheme. It is a traditional form in English and Italian poetry, often used to explore themes of love and mortality.

## Examples

- He wrote a beautiful sonnet about his new love.
- The poet spent weeks perfecting the final sonnet before submitting it to the local literary magazine.
- While the sonnet originated in Italy, the English form developed a unique structure that allowed for a volta, or a sudden shift in tone or argument, in the final couplet.

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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.