limerick Definition
a humorous poem consisting of five lines. The first, second, and fifth lines must have seven to ten syllables while rhyming and having the same verbal rhythm. The third and fourth lines only have five to seven syllables, also rhyming with each other and sharing the same rhythm..
Using limerick: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "limerick" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
There once was a man from Peru,
Example
Whose limericks stopped at line two.
Example
A tutor who tooted the flute
Example
Tried to teach two young tooters to toot.
Example
There was an Old Man with a beard, Who said, 'It is just as I feared! Two Owls and a Hen, four Larks and a Wren, Have all built their nests in my beard!'
limerick Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for limerick
- nonsense verse
- comic verse
- humorous poetry
Phrases with limerick
Example
I don't want to hear any dirty limericks.
Example
My daughter loves nursery limericks.
Example
The literary limerick was published in the New Yorker.
Origins of limerick
from the city of Limerick, Ireland
Summary: limerick in Brief
A 'limerick' [ˈlɪmərɪk] is a humorous poem consisting of five lines with a specific syllable and rhyme scheme. It originated from the city of Limerick, Ireland. Examples include 'There once was a man from Peru,' and 'There was an Old Man with a beard.' Different types of limericks include dirty, nursery, and literary limericks.
