# verse

/ˈvɝs/ (US) · /vˈɜːs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/verse
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. part of a song

noun · CEFR B1

one of the parts of a song that has the same music but different words each time.

For teachers: a structural unit of a song, typically consisting of several rhyming lines, that alternates with the chorus.

- I can remember the chorus of that song, but I always forget the second verse.
- The songwriter decided to strip back the instrumentation during the first verse to create a more intimate connection with the listener before the heavy chorus.

### 2. poetry

noun · CEFR B2

writing that is arranged in lines with a regular rhythm or rhyme.

For teachers: writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a thematic or formal structure.

- The children practiced reading the verse aloud to hear the rhythm of the words.
- The collection includes both traditional rhyming verse and more experimental free-verse compositions that ignore standard meter.

### 3. religious text

noun · CEFR B2

a short, numbered section of a chapter in a holy book like the Bible or Quran.

For teachers: a short numbered subdivision of a chapter in a sacred text.

- The priest asked the congregation to turn to the third verse of the chapter.
- Scholars spent years debating the precise translation of this specific verse, noting its linguistic similarities to older Aramaic dialects.

### 4. to educate or inform

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to teach someone about a subject or make them an expert in it.

For teachers: to make someone familiar with or knowledgeable about a particular subject. Usually used in the passive voice with 'in'.

- She is well versed in local history and can tell you all about the old buildings.
- The legal team was thoroughly versed in international maritime law, ensuring they were prepared for any jurisdictional challenges during the trial.

Usage: Commonly appears as 'to be well versed in' something.

## Examples

- I can never remember the words to the second verse.
- The singer forgot the lyrics during the first verse but recovered by the time the chorus began.
- While the chorus provides the song's emotional hook, each verse adds necessary narrative detail that deepens the listener's understanding of the protagonist's journey.

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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.