Limerick (poetry)

A limerick is a short, five-line poetic form known for its strict AABBA rhyme scheme and often humorous tone.

A limerick is a short, five-line poetic form with a strict AABBA rhyme scheme. It is typically humorous and written in anapestic meter, often associated with light verse and wordplay.

What it is

A limerick is a fixed form of light verse with five lines and an AABBA rhyme pattern. The first, second, and fifth lines rhyme together and are longer, while the third and fourth lines form a shorter rhyming pair. The tone is usually comic, nonsensical, or irreverent, and the form is commonly used for bawdy or playful content.

Key details

Limericks are typically written in anapestic meter, creating a bouncing rhythm, though some variation exists. The rhyme scheme and five-line structure remain the defining features. The form is generally traced to England in the early 18th century, and it is often taught in Canadian schools as an accessible example of rhyme and rhythm.

History and popularity

Edward Lear popularized the limerick in the 19th century through his widely known nonsense verses. The form has since become a staple of light verse, appearing in children's literature and adult humour alike. In Canada, limericks are commonly used in English-language poetry instruction to illustrate rhyme, meter, and playful language.