Limerick meaning

A limerick is a type of humorous poem consisting of five lines with a distinctive rhythm and rhyme scheme.


Limerick definitions

Word backwards kciremil
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division The syllable separation of the word "limerick" is li-mer-ick.
Plural The plural of the word "limerick" is limericks.
Total letters 8
Vogais (2) i,e
Consonants (5) l,m,r,c,k

A limerick is a form of funny and whimsical poem that follows a specific rhyme scheme and meter. It typically consists of five lines, with a rhyme scheme of AABBA. The first, second, and fifth lines are longer and rhyme with each other, while the third and fourth lines are shorter and form a separate rhyming pair.

History of Limericks

Limericks are believed to have originated in the early 18th century in Ireland. The name "limerick" is thought to have been derived from a chorus sung between improvised verses at social gatherings in the Irish city of Limerick. The form became popular in English-language poetry and is often associated with humor and light-heartedness.

Structure of a Limerick

The structure of a limerick is unique and can be a fun challenge for writers. The first line introduces a person or place, setting the scene for the humorous narrative. The following lines build on this setup, often with a twist or surprise ending in the last line. Limericks also commonly feature a playful use of language and puns.

Examples of Limericks

Here is an example of a classic limerick:

There once was a man from Nantucket
Whose nose was so long he could tuck it
He said with a grin
As he wiped off his chin
If my ear was a casket, I'd pluck it!

As seen in this example, limericks often play with rhyme, rhythm, and wordplay to create a humorous and engaging piece of poetry. They are a beloved form of verse that continues to inspire poets and entertain audiences around the world.


Limerick Examples

  1. I wrote a funny limerick for my friend's birthday card.
  2. The children giggled at the silly limerick their teacher recited.
  3. She won the limerick contest with her clever rhyme scheme.
  4. He entertained the crowd at the open mic night with his limerick performance.
  5. The limerick tradition dates back to the 18th century in Ireland.
  6. In English class, we learned about the structure of a limerick poem.
  7. The comedian ended his set with a hilarious limerick about his day.
  8. She challenged her friends to a limerick competition at the party.
  9. The limerick brought a smile to her face during a stressful day.
  10. He was known for his ability to come up with a limerick on the spot.


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  • Updated 24/04/2024 - 17:27:54