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Galloping trimeter

Meter
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An anapestic trimeter (three anapestic feet per line) that creates a rapid, forward-propelling rhythm often used in energetic or narrative verse.

Detailed Definition
Galloping trimeter is a three-foot line of anapests or dactyls that generates a quick, light-footed rhythm, often used in lyrical or humorous verse for its sprightly, dance-like quality; its brevity enhances memorability and musicality in song or nursery rhyme.
Example
Example in poetry:
Tennyson’s “Charge of the Light Brigade” uses dactylic trimeter as galloping trimeter; Kipling’s “Mandalay” employs galloping trimeter for exotic rhythm; Robert Service’s Yukon poems use galloping trimeter for frontier energy; Galloping trimeter appears in military cadences; Contemporary poets use galloping trimeter for urgent, short narratives.
Additional Notes
Galloping trimeter: A non-technical term for a three-foot line (trimeter) dominated by anapestic or dactylic feet, creating a quick and lively pace; commonly used in children's verses and songs.
Also Known As
Galloping three-foot line rapid trimeter coursing short measure Anapestic trimeter
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