Petrarchan sonnet

noun

Pe·​trar·​chan sonnet pi-ˈträr-kən- How to pronounce Petrarchan sonnet (audio)
ˌpē-,
(ˌ)pe-

Examples of Petrarchan sonnet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This 14-line pseudo-sonnet roughly follows the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet with its octave (first eight lines) stating a tension and the sestet (final six lines) including a volta (or turn). New York Times, 5 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

Petrarch (Francesco Petrarca)

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Petrarchan sonnet was circa 1909

Dictionary Entries Near Petrarchan sonnet

Cite this Entry

“Petrarchan sonnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Petrarchan%20sonnet. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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