What does rhyme mean?
A rhyme is a correspondence of sounds, most often between the final syllables of words or the endings of poetic lines. It may refer to the sound relationship itself, to a particular pairing of words, or to a poem or stanza organized around such pairings. As a verb, rhyme means to sound in correspondence at the end, as in “The two titles rhyme with each other.” Rhymes can be exact, as with “cat” and “hat,” or approximate, such as “orange” and “door,” a pattern known as a near rhyme. In poetry, rhyme contributes rhythm, musicality, and sometimes humor or emphasis, and it can also serve as a mnemonic device. The word is common in both formal literary criticism and informal conversation, though discussing rhyme schemes, meter, and poetic structure is generally more specialized than simply noticing that two words sound alike.
The correspondence of sounds between words, especially at the ends of poetic lines; a poem or verse marked by such correspondences.
"The nursery rhyme ends with a strong internal rhyme."
In literary criticism, terms such as perfect rhyme and slant rhyme distinguish the degree and type of sound correspondence.
To use or speak words whose ending sounds correspond.
"The two invented names rhyme more closely than the rhymes in the original poem."
The construction “rhyme with” is common: “The title rhymes with the name of the river.”
The plural is used for individual rhyming pairs or for multiple sound correspondances.
"The poem uses several rhymes that subtly change the meaning of each line."
A rhyme turns separate words into musical partners, letting language carry meaning and sound at the same time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rhyme come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English rīme, meaning a rhyme or poem. Its wider relatives include forms such as Old Norse ríma and modern Dutch rijm and Scandinavian rim. The English form became established in its present sense by the medieval period and has long referred both to matching word sounds and to verse composed with such matches.
Related word forms
How rhyme is actually used
In formal literary discussion, rhyme often refers specifically to a correspondence of sounds in words, while in general speech it may refer more broadly to a pleasing or memorable pairing. Rhyme can also be used figuratively for words or ideas that correspond, though this use is less formal.
Easily confused with rhyme
A rhyme is a correspondence of sounds, often at the ends of words or lines, whereas rhythm is the pattern of stresses, beats, and pauses in speech or music.