feminine rhyme

noun

, Prosody.

1. a rhyme either of two syllables of which the second is unstressed double rhyme, as in motion, notion, or of three syllables of which the second and third are unstressed triple rhyme, as in fortunate, importunate.

feminine rhyme

noun

1. prosody a rhyme between words in which one, two, or more unstressed syllables follow a stressed one, as in elation, nation or merrily, verily Compare masculine rhyme

Word History and Origins

Origin of feminine rhyme¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

To Thibaud is said to be due the introduction of the feminine rhyme into French poetry—a metrical variation of capital importance.

From Project Gutenberg

The three-foot line has naturally in most instances a masculine ending, but lines also occasionally occur with feminine rhyme.

From Project Gutenberg