acrostic

[ uh-kraw-stik, uh-kros-tik ]

noun

1. a series of lines or verses in which the first, last, or other particular letters when taken in order spell out a word, phrase, etc.

adjective

1. Also a·cros·ti·cal []. of, like, or forming an acrostic.

acrostic

/ əˈkrɒstɪk /

noun

1. 1. a number of lines of writing, such as a poem, certain letters of which form a word, proverb, etc. A single acrostic is formed by the initial letters of the lines, a double acrostic by the initial and final letters, and a triple acrostic by the initial, middle, and final letters
   2. the word, proverb, etc, so formed
   3. ( as modifier )

      an acrostic sonnet

Derived Forms

• aˈcrostically, adverb

Other Words From

• a·cros·ti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrostic¹

1580–90; < Greek akrostichís, equivalent to akro- acro- + stích ( os ) stich ¹ + -is noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrostic¹

C16: via French from Greek akrostikhis, from acro- + stikhos line of verse, stich

Example Sentences

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger used a vulgar acrostic to veto a bill by an assemblyman who had heckled the Republican governor when he crashed a Democratic fundraiser.

From Los Angeles Times

Acróstico means acrostic, and the first letters of the five-line verses for Shakira’s new song spell out the names of her sons, Milan and Sasha.

From New York Times

Times fan and acrostic enthusiast, consider this booklet of more than 80 crossword puzzles in a range of difficulties.

From Los Angeles Times

The poem published Tuesday, “Floral Tribute,” is in the form of a double acrostic, which means that the first letter of each line spells out Elizabeth when taken together.

From Seattle Times

The poem employs the form of a double acrostic - meaning the first letter of each line spells out Elizabeth when taken together.

From BBC