Octosyllabic

Octosyllabic is a term used in poetry and verse to describe lines that contain eight syllables. The word is formed from the Latin prefix octo- meaning eight, combined with syllaba meaning syllable and the suffix -ic. The designation focuses on syllable count rather than a fixed metrical pattern, though octosyllabic lines often align with common rhythmic schemes such as iambic tetrameter.

In English poetry, octosyllabic lines have long appeared in ballads, nursery rhymes, and traditional verse that aims for a steady, chant-like cadence. The form is frequently seen in ballad stanzas, where eight-syllable lines alternate with shorter lines, creating a familiar, songful movement. An example of an octosyllabic line is: “The sun goes down and shadows grow,” which contains eight syllables.

Across languages, octosyllabic lines arise in various traditions. In French poetry, the octosyllabe has been a prominent line length since the medieval era and appears in numerous narratives and songs. In Spanish and other Romance languages, octosílabo is similarly used in folk poetry and older verse forms. Rhythm and pronunciation influence actual syllable counts, so practical octosyllabic writing may involve elision or regional speech patterns.

See also discussions of syllabic verse and other syllable-counted forms, such as the heptasyllabic or nonosyllabic traditions, which contrast with octosyllabic in terms of line length and cadence.