limerick

¹

[ lim-er-ik ]

noun

1. a kind of humorous verse of five lines, in which the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme with each other, and the third and fourth lines, which are shorter, form a rhymed couplet.

Limerick

²

[ lim-er-ik ]

noun

1. a county in N Munster, in the SW Republic of Ireland. 037 sq. mi. (2,686 sq. km).
2. its county seat: a seaport at the head of the Shannon estuary.
3. Angling. a fishhook having a sharp bend below the barb.

Limerick

¹

/ ˈlɪmərɪk /

noun

1. a county of SW Republic of Ireland, in N Munster province: consists chiefly of an undulating plain with rich pasture and mountains in the south. County town: Limerick. Pop: 175 304 (2002). Area: 2686 sq km (1037 sq miles)
2. a port in SW Republic of Ireland, county town of Limerick, at the head of the Shannon estuary. Pop: 86 998 (2002)

limerick

²

/ ˈlɪmərɪk /

noun

1. a form of comic verse consisting of five anapaestic lines of which the first, second, and fifth have three metrical feet and rhyme together and the third and fourth have two metrical feet and rhyme together

limerick

1. A form of humorous five-line verse , such as:

   There once was a young man from Kew

   Who found a dead mouse in his stew.

   Said the waiter, “Don't shout

   Or wave it about,

   Or the rest will be wanting one too!”

Word History and Origins

Origin of limerick¹

1895–1900; after Limerick; allegedly from social gatherings where the group sang “Will you come up to Limerick?” after each set of verses, extemporized in turn by the members of the party

Word History and Origins

Origin of limerick¹

C19: allegedly from will you come up to Limerick?, a refrain sung between nonsense verses at a party

Example Sentences

Researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have developed a new method of growing organic crystals that can be used for energy-harvesting applications.

From Science Daily

The 36-year-old, who is originally from Limerick in the Republic of Ireland, was the driver of a stolen car which crashed into a police car, killing Const Reynolds.

From BBC

Eighth two years ago and pulled up last year does not scream National winner although has been in fine fettle this season, including defeat of Limerick Lace when winning Troytown Chase at Navan.

From BBC

Portlaoise Panthers have said they will refuse to replay the final 0.3 seconds of their match against Limerick Sport Eagles because it would be "completely against the spirit of basketball".

From BBC

Malachy left school in Limerick when he was 13, two years after his heavy-drinking father deserted the family, leaving his mother, Angela, to raise the four of their surviving seven children.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ballad
• composition
• epic
• lyric
• poetry
• rhyme
• sonnet
• verse
• writing