Definition

A group of four lines in a poem or a stanza that often has a specific rhyme scheme.

Example

The poet wrote a beautiful quatrain that captured the essence of spring.

Conversation

Have you ever tried writing a quatrain?

No, I haven't! What is it exactly?

It's a stanza of four lines, often with a rhyme scheme.

That sounds interesting! I might give it a shot.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Quatrain → It is formed from "quatre" (from Old French, meaning four) and "-ain" (a suffix used in poetry to denote a stanza). The word "quatrain" refers to a stanza or verse consisting of four lines.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'quatre' which means four in French — a quatrain is a four-line stanza.

Visually Confused Words