noun

haiku

HEYE-koo

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Haiku (noun) means a short Japanese poem written in three lines, traditionally with five, seven, and five syllable-like units, often evoking a season or a scene from nature. Example: “She wrote a haiku about cherry blossoms falling in the spring wind.”

noun

A short Japanese poem written in three lines, traditionally with five, seven, and five syllable-like units, often evoking a season or a scene from nature.

"She wrote a haiku about cherry blossoms falling in the spring wind."

"His English teacher asked the class to compose a haiku about autumn."

"Some of the results resemble haikus." — Colin Moynihan, A Project Documents Inauguration Day, in Washington and Across the Globe (2009)

How to use haiku

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tiny, tightly structured poem, usually about nature, built from three short lines.

Memory tip

You don't need to count syllables perfectly in English — the spirit of a haiku (a brief, vivid image) matters more than a strict 5-7-5 count.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

write a haiku a haiku poem compose a haiku

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: haikus

Test yourself on “haiku” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She wrote a _____ about cherry blossoms falling in the spring wind.

Etymology

From Japanese haiku, itself from an older term meaning a "paired verse" or "linked line," ultimately tracing back through Chinese characters for "playful" and "line" or "verse."

Origin: Chinese

Synonyms

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hokku

Related words

hokku

Frequently asked questions

What does “haiku” mean?

The word “haiku” means a short Japanese poem written in three lines, traditionally with five, seven, and five syllable-like units, often evoking a season or a scene from nature. In plain terms, a tiny, tightly structured poem, usually about nature, built from three short lines.

How do you pronounce “haiku”?

“Haiku” is pronounced HEYE-koo (/haɪˈku/ in IPA).

How do you use “haiku” in a sentence?

Here is “haiku” used in a sentence: “She wrote a haiku about cherry blossoms falling in the spring wind.”

What is another word for “haiku”?

Words with a similar meaning to “haiku” include hokku.

What part of speech is “haiku”?

“Haiku” is a noun.

Where does the word “haiku” come from?

The word “haiku” comes from Chinese. From Japanese haiku, itself from an older term meaning a "paired verse" or "linked line," ultimately tracing back through Chinese characters for "playful" and "line" or "verse.".

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Words with Chinese origins Words that end with U

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