heptasyllable

9.9

A word or line of a poem that has seven syllables

noun
/ˌhɛp.təˈsɪl.ə.bəl/

Literature

: heptasílabo

A heptasyllable is a seven-syllable word.

Examples

The poet chose a heptasyllable structure for each line to create a rhythmic effect.
In classical poetry, the heptasyllable is less common than the octosyllable.
A heptasyllable can sometimes sound awkward in English verse due to its uneven rhythm.
The term heptasyllable refers to a specific type of verse.
The poet used a heptasyllable in his latest sonnet to achieve a unique rhythm.
Many classical poems include a heptasyllable line to add variety to the meter.
In her analysis, she explained that a heptasyllable consists of exactly seven syllables.

Surface Forms

heptasyllable singular

heptasyllables plural

Morphology

heptasyllable = syllable (semi-transparent) = hepta + syllable

The Greek combining form 'hepta-' means 'seven' but is less familiar to intermediate learners, so the numeral meaning may not be immediately recognized.

Etymology

The word heptasyllable comes from Greek parts hepta 'seven' and syllable 'a spoken beat', so it means a word or line made of seven syllables.