A-Z: General definitions: Sibilance

Definition

Term used to describe lines of verse in which ‘s’ or ‘z’ sounds are enhanced. For instance, Rossetti’s poem Jessie Cameron uses sibilance in the verse,

 

Sea-winds that shiver;

Sea-birds that breast the blast,

Sea-waves swelling,

Keep the secret first and last

Of their dwelling. (lines 93-96)

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