© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

hendecasyllabic

Advanced (C1/C2)

IPA: /hɛnˌdɛkəˈsɪləbɪk/

KK: /hɛnˌdɛkəˈsɪləbɪk/

adjective
Definition

Describing a line of verse that has eleven syllables.


Example

The poem was written in a hendecasyllabic form, showcasing its unique rhythm.


Conversation
Sloth A
Hey, have you heard of hendecasyllabic poetry?
Sloth B
No, I haven't. What does that mean?
Sloth A
It refers to lines that contain 11 syllables, which is pretty unique.
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! I'd love to read some examples.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
elevenfold
undecasyllabic
Antonyms
monosyllabic
disyllabic
polysyllabic
noun
Definition

A type of poetic line that consists of eleven syllables.


Example

The poem was written in hendecasyllabic verse, showcasing the beauty of eleven-syllable lines.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you ever hear about the hendecasyllabic poems?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What are they like?
Sloth A
They're pretty interesting; each line has eleven syllables.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Hendecasyllabic → It is formed from "hendeca-" (from Greek "hendeka", meaning eleven) and "syllabic" (from Latin "syllaba", meaning syllable). The word refers to a poetic form consisting of eleven syllables.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for eleven ('hendeka') to remember that 'hendecasyllabic' describes a line of poetry with eleven syllables.

Visually Confused Words
decasyllabic
nondecasyllabic
enneasyllabic
quindecasyllabic
dodecasyllabic
hexasyllabic
Is this page helpful?
That sounds challenging but fun to write!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
verse
Antonyms
prose