haiku
UK[ˈhaɪ.kuː]US[ˈhaɪ.kuː]
n
A traditional Japanese poem of seventeen syllables, written in three lines of five, seven, and five syllables.
n
A poem written in this form.
Etymology
The word 'haiku' is a direct borrowing from Japanese, entering English in the late 19th century. It is a shortened form of the phrase 'haikai no ku', which translates to 'light verse'. The term originally referred to the opening verse of a longer collaborative poem called a 'renga'. Over time, it evolved in Japanese literature to denote the standalone, highly concise three-line form we recognize today. The adoption of the word into English reflects the global appreciation for this distinct poetic tradition and its formal constraints.
Analysis
This is a loanword from Japanese. It is not segmented into meaningful morphemes within the English spelling system.
Examples
She wrote a beautiful haiku about the first snowfall.
The class assignment was to compose a haiku following the traditional 5-7-5 syllable pattern.
His latest collection features several haiku inspired by urban life.