# stanza

/ˈstænzə/ (US) · /stˈænzɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stanza
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a group of lines that form one section of a poem. It is like a paragraph, but for poetry.

For teachers: a group of lines forming the basic recurring metrical unit in a poem; a verse. Often separated from other sections by a blank line.

## Examples

- The first stanza of the poem describes a dark forest.
- The poet uses a shorter final stanza to emphasize the sudden change in the story's mood.
- In this specific sonnet, the transition between the second and third stanza marks a shift from describing the problem to offering a potential solution.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in literary analysis; synonymous with 'verse' in casual conversation.

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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.