Definition

A line of poetry that contains ten syllables.

Example

The poem was written in a decasyllable, giving it a rhythmic flow.

Conversation

Have you ever tried writing a decasyllable?

No, I haven't, but it sounds interesting!

It's a line of verse with ten syllables, quite a challenge.

I can imagine! Maybe I should give it a shot sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Decasyllable → It is formed from "deca-" (from Greek "dekas", meaning ten) and "syllable" (from Latin "syllaba", meaning a unit of speech). The word "decasyllable" refers to a line of verse that contains ten syllables.

Memory Tip

Think of 'deca-' meaning ten, and 'syllable' as a unit of speech — so a decasyllable is a line with ten units of speech.

Visually Confused Words