Refrain
Refrain: A line or phrase repeated at intervals through a poem or song, usually at the end of a stanza.
A refrain gives a poem a home key to return to; because the surrounding verses change, the same words mean a little more each time they come round.
Refrain examples
"Quoth the Raven, 'Nevermore.'"
— The Raven, Edgar Allan Poe
"Do not go gentle into that good night - repeated as the villanelle's alternating refrain."
— Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night, Dylan Thomas
"And miles to go before I sleep, / And miles to go before I sleep."
— Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, Robert Frost
"Ballads traditionally carry a refrain so listeners could join each chorus from memory."
— common usage
Spot the Refrain
Score: 0/0A line or phrase repeated at intervals through a poem or song, usually at the end of a stanza.
"Quoth the Raven, 'Nevermore.'"
Which work is this from?
Explore every literary device in the poetic devices hub.
Refrain: common questions
What is refrain in literature?
A line or phrase repeated at intervals through a poem or song, usually at the end of a stanza. A refrain gives a poem a home key to return to; because the surrounding verses change, the same words mean a little more each time they come round.
What is an example of refrain?
A classic example is "Quoth the Raven, 'Nevermore.'" (The Raven, Edgar Allan Poe).
Browse the full literary devices glossary or everywriting tool and word bank.
The writer's edit
One practical writing tip, a new tool, and a fresh contest deadline, every Thursday. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.