What does trochaic mean?
Trochaic describes a form of meter built from trochees, the two-syllable feet in which a stressed syllable is followed by an unstressed syllable. This rhythm tends to feel firm, lively, and forward-moving, which is why it is often associated with marching subjects, ballads, and energetic verse. The word can function as an adjective, as in “trochaic tetrameter,” or more rarely as a noun for a line or passage written in this meter. It belongs primarily to literary and linguistic vocabulary rather than everyday speech. Knowing the term helps readers recognize the distinction between trochaic and iambic rhythm: both use two-syllable feet, but they reverse the usual arrangement of strong and weak beats. The term also appears in discussions of poetry and translation, where matching the rhythm of an original can be an important consideration.
Relating to or consisting of trochees; having a rhythm of stressed followed by unstressed syllables.
"The story was set in lively trochaic verse."
Most often used in literary and metrical contexts, especially when discussing the rhythm of verse.
A line or passage of verse composed in trochaic meter.
"The final stanza is a trochaic."
This noun use is relatively uncommon; “trochaic line,” “trochaic verse,” or “trochaic meter” is often clearer.
The plural is used for multiple lines or passages of verse written in trochaic meter; the singular noun is less common than the adjectival use.
"The collection includes trochaics by several poets."
Longfellow's The Song of Hiawatha is famously trochaic: its strong, marching pulse comes from repeated stressed–unstressed feet.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trochaic come from?
The word comes through Latin trochaicus from Greek trokhaikos, a form of trokhaios, meaning “of or like a trochee.” The Greek term is associated with trokhos, referring to a wheel, course, or trot, which in turn reflects the running or trotting movement suggested by the metrical foot. The related English words trochee, trochoid, trochlea, and trochophore also derive from this Greek root.
Related word forms
How trochaic is actually used
Trochaic is chiefly used in literary and metrical discussion. The noun is much less common than the adjective and is usually used when referring to a specific line or passage rather than to the meter in general.
Easily confused with trochaic
A trochee is the individual stressed–unstressed foot, whereas trochaic describes verse or rhythm made from such feet.