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haiku

noun

/ˈhaɪ ku/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of haiku

A traditional form of Japanese poetry, renowned for its brevity and focus on capturing a singular moment in nature.
"She composed a haiku that vividly depicted a serene moonlit night by the lakeside."

Detailed meaning of haiku

Originating in the 17th century, haiku has become a widely recognized and cherished poetic form. It consists of three lines, typically containing a total of seventeen syllables, divided into a 5-7-5 pattern. Haiku often revolves around themes such as seasons, landscapes, or observations of the natural world. It aims to evoke a sense of tranquility, simplicity, and a deep connection with nature. Haiku typically eschews explicit metaphors or subjective emotions, instead relying on vivid and sensory language to depict a fleeting scene or poignant image. The art of crafting a haiku lies in distilling profound meaning and contemplation within the concise structure, inviting readers to pause, reflect, and find solace in the beauty of the present moment.

Example sentences containing haiku

1. The poet crafted a haiku about cherry blossoms, capturing their delicate beauty in just three lines.
2. The haiku contest showcased the talents of poets who could convey profound emotions in just seventeen syllables.
3. His haiku about the sound of raindrops on a tin roof transported readers to a peaceful, rainy afternoon.
4. The nature lover always carried a notebook to jot down haikus inspired by the sights and sounds of the forest.
5. The teacher encouraged her students to write haikus as a creative exercise in concise expression.
6. They organized a haiku workshop where participants could learn the art of capturing moments in nature through verse.

History and etymology of haiku

The noun 'haiku' has its etymological roots in Japan and is a poetic form celebrated for its concise nature and emphasis on capturing a single moment in the natural world. The word 'haiku' itself is a Japanese term that evolved from an earlier form of collaborative linked-verse poetry called 'hokku.' The 'hokku' was the initial stanza in a longer collaborative poem known as 'renga.' In the 17th century, the poet Matsuo Bashō popularized the standalone 'hokku' as an independent form of poetry, and it eventually became known as 'haiku.' The term 'haiku' consists of two Japanese characters: 'hai,' which means 'unorthodox' or 'unusual,' and 'ku,' which means 'stanza' or 'poem.' This name underscores the departure from traditional verse forms and the focus on brevity and capturing the essence of a moment in nature, making 'haiku' a cherished and globally recognized poetic style.

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Further usage examples of haiku

1. The poet's haiku about a hummingbird in flight was published in a prestigious literary journal.
2. Reading haikus by famous Japanese masters deepened her appreciation for the beauty of simplicity in poetry.
3. The anthology collected haikus from various cultures, showcasing the universal appeal of capturing nature's essence in brief verses.
4. The haiku's juxtaposition of a blooming flower and a withered leaf spoke volumes about the cycle of life and impermanence.
5. The poet's haiku, inspired by the first snowfall, painted a serene winter landscape in the reader's mind.
6. Composing a haiku, I strive to capture nature's essence in three lines of poetry.
7. The art of crafting a haiku lies in its ability to distill profound moments into brief verses.
8. Haiku, a revered Japanese form of poetry, beckons me to contemplate the world's fleeting beauty.
9. Writing haiku is like capturing fireflies in a jar—a magical moment preserved in words.
10. In the realm of haiku, simplicity reigns supreme, inviting us to explore life's subtleties.
11. My favorite haiku evokes the scent of cherry blossoms on a warm spring morning.
12. With each haiku I write, I aim to create a timeless snapshot of the natural world.
13. Haiku's power lies in its ability to transport the reader to a specific place and time.
14. Haiku invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace the beauty of brevity.
15. The essence of haiku is found in the stillness between each carefully chosen word.
16. As I compose haiku, I feel like a painter, dabbing words onto the canvas of life.
17. The heart of haiku beats softly, echoing the gentle rhythms of nature's symphony.
18. Through haiku, I find harmony in the smallest details of the world around me.
19. Crafting a haiku is like capturing a brief, shimmering glimpse of the universe's soul.
20. In haiku, each syllable is a brushstroke, and the canvas is the reader's imagination.
21. Haiku is a form of poetic meditation, grounding me in the present moment.
22. With haiku, I learn to see the world with fresh eyes, appreciating its nuances.
23. Haiku is a reminder that the most profound beauty can be found in the simplest things.
24. I carry a pocket-sized notebook to capture haiku-worthy moments wherever I go.
25. Haiku, like a Zen garden for the mind, encourages me to cultivate mindfulness in each verse.