haiku
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.”
How to use haiku
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tiny, tightly structured poem, usually about nature, built from three short lines.
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 ↓Word forms
haiku plural, haikus plural
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."
Synonyms
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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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