iambic

[ ahy-am-bik ]

adjective

1. Prosody.
   1. pertaining to the iamb.
   2. consisting of or employing an iamb or iambs.
2. Greek Literature. noting or pertaining to satirical poetry written in iambs.

noun

1. Prosody.
   1. an iamb.
   2. Usually iambics. a verse or poem consisting of iambs.
2. Greek Literature. a satirical poem in this meter.

iambic

/ aɪˈæmbɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, consisting of, or using an iamb or iambs
2. (in Greek literature) denoting a type of satirical verse written in iambs

noun

1. a metrical foot, line, or stanza of verse consisting of iambs
2. a type of ancient Greek satirical verse written in iambs

Derived Forms

• iˈambically, adverb

Other Words From

• i·ambi·cal·ly adverb
• uni·ambic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of iambic¹

1565–75; < Latin iambicus < Greek iambikós. See iambus, -ic

Example Sentences

The tone of “Memnon,” written in iambic hexameter, is direct, spare and cast in a tense of tragic inevitability.

From Los Angeles Times

"This is the biggest mountain because I was always worried about the iambic pentameter, about blank verse, and not being trained as an actor," he says.

From BBC

The pair haven't been afraid to experiment over the years, having produced an entirely silent episode, one all in iambic pentameter and now, in the final series, an episode filmed from a doorbell camera.

From BBC

The iambic pentameter of “The Gruffalo” is so f— good.

From Los Angeles Times

“It came out with this terrific poem written in iambic pentameter,” Preston recalled.

From Los Angeles Times