"Clerihew" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Clerihew" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers

Clerihew
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"Clerihew" Meaning

A clerihew is a humorous, four-line biographical poem with a specific rhyming scheme and meter. It was invented by Edmund Clerihew Bentley and typically takes the following form:

Line 1: Names the subject of the poem
Line 2: Presents a statement or fact about the subject
Line 3: Makes a humorous comment or joke about the subject
Line 4: Ends with a punchline, usually a play on words

The rhyming scheme is AABB, with the first and second lines rhyming, and the third and fourth lines rhyming. The meter is usually iambic tetrameter, with each line consisting of eight syllables. Clerihews are often used to poke fun at famous people, making them a popular form of lighthearted parody.

"Clerihew" Examples

Here are five usage examples of the word "clerihew":

What is a Clerihew?


A clerihew is a humorous, four-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. It was invented by Edmund Clerihew Bentley in the 19th century.

Examples of Clerihews:


Example 1
Simon Fraser, bold and fine,
Trapped his enemies in a mine.
He fought with a sword, and brain,
And left no enemy to remain.

Example 2
Rudyard Kipling, poet true,
Wrote of a boy and his zoo crew.
His verses were witty and bright,
And captured the hearts of the night.

Example 3
Sherlock Holmes, with his pipe,
Solved mysteries with skill and tribe.
He followed clues with his mind,
And left crime scenes behind.

Example 4
Albert Einstein, a mind so grand,
Discovered gravity's hidden hand.
He thought of time and space,
And changed our understanding's pace.

Example 5
Emily Dickinson, poet rare,
Wrote of life, death, and love with care.
Her verses were dark and deep,
And touched hearts in a secret sleep.

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