noun
epigram
EP-ih-gram
Epigram (noun) means a short, cleverly worded remark that makes a witty or memorable point. Example: “Oscar Wilde was famous for his sharp epigrams.”
noun
1
A short, cleverly worded remark that makes a witty or memorable point.
"Oscar Wilde was famous for his sharp epigrams."
"The comedian's set was full of clever epigrams."
"She opened her speech with a neat epigram about ambition."
2
A short poem that ends with a witty or pointed thought.
"The poet closed the collection with a two-line epigram."
"Ancient writers often composed epigrams to mock public figures."
"He wrote a playful epigram for the front of the book."
How to use epigram
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short, clever line or poem with a witty sting.
When to use it
It is a literary word, more common in writing about literature than in everyday speech.
Memory tip
Think of an epigram as a one-line piece of wit, whether spoken or written as a tiny poem.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a famous epigram
coin an epigram
witty epigram
closing epigram
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Oscar Wilde was famous for his sharp _____.
Etymology
Epigram entered English through Middle French epigramme, which came from Latin epigramma. That Latin word was itself taken from Ancient Greek epígramma, meaning an inscription.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for epigram
See all rhymes for epigram →Frequently asked questions
What is an epigram?
It is a short, witty saying or a brief poem that makes a sharp, memorable point.
Where does the word epigram come from?
It traces back through Middle French and Latin to Ancient Greek epígramma, which meant an inscription.
Is an epigram the same as an epitaph?
No, the two are different, though both are related to the idea of a short piece of writing; an epigram is a witty saying or poem, not specifically words carved for the dead.
What is the meaning of epigram?
"epigram" (noun) means a short, cleverly worded remark that makes a witty or memorable point.
