noun
Uncommon
volta
VOHL-tuh
Volta (noun) means In poetry, especially a sonnet, the turning point where the argument or mood shifts. Example: “The volta arrives in the ninth line, where the tone suddenly turns hopeful.”
noun
1
In poetry, especially a sonnet, the turning point where the argument or mood shifts.
"The volta arrives in the ninth line, where the tone suddenly turns hopeful."
2
A lively couples' dance from the late Renaissance period.
"Courtiers performed the volta at royal celebrations."
How to use volta
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA turning point in a poem, or an old Renaissance dance.
When to use it
Mostly used in literary criticism when discussing sonnets.
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Word forms
- Plural
- voltas
Fill the gap
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The _____ arrives in the ninth line, where the tone suddenly turns hopeful.
Etymology
From Italian volta, "a turn," a doublet of the English word "volte."
Rhymes for volta
See all rhymes for volta →Frequently asked questions
What does “volta” mean?
The word “volta” means in poetry, especially a sonnet, the turning point where the argument or mood shifts. In plain terms, a turning point in a poem, or an old Renaissance dance.
How do you pronounce “volta”?
“Volta” is pronounced VOHL-tuh (/ˈvoʊltə/ in IPA).
How do you use “volta” in a sentence?
Here is “volta” used in a sentence: “The volta arrives in the ninth line, where the tone suddenly turns hopeful.”
What part of speech is “volta”?
“Volta” is a noun.
Where does the word “volta” come from?
The word “volta” comes from Italian. From Italian volta, "a turn," a doublet of the English word "volte.".
Is “volta” a common word?
“Volta” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “volta” have?
“Volta” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in poetry, especially a sonnet, the turning point where the argument or mood shifts.
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