couplet

[ kuhp-lit ]

noun

1. a pair of successive lines of verse, especially a pair that rhyme and are of the same length.
2. a pair; couple.
3. Music. any of the contrasting sections of a rondo occurring between statements of the refrain.

couplet

/ ˈkʌplɪt /

noun

1. two successive lines of verse, usually rhymed and of the same metre

couplet

1. A pair of lines of verse that rhyme . Some poems, such as “ The Night Before Christmas ,” are written entirely in couplets:

   `Twas the night before Christmas , when all through the house

   Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

   The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

   In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

Word History and Origins

Origin of couplet¹

From Middle French, dating back to 1570–80; couple, -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of couplet¹

C16: from French, literally: a little pair; see couple

Example Sentences

So fullness of that scene did have to be compressed down to that little couplet.

From Salon

There are, in fact, some rather disturbing rhymed couplets, if you will.

From Salon

“My heart stopped beating long ago / It pours out like a river,” one couplet goes.

From Los Angeles Times

The show’s straightforward plot trajectory is neatly summed up in a dismal couplet in the lament “Gethsemane,” in which Jesus finally resigns himself to his fate: “Then, I was inspired / Now I’m sad and tired.”

From New York Times

The song condemned war, greed and injustice with such couplets as “Nobody gives us rhyme or reason/Have one doubt, they call it treason.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• verse