Periphrasis is a form of circumlocution in which a poet uses a descriptive phrase in place of a direct name, such as calling the sea “the wine-dark water” or referring to the sun as “the lamp of day.” It has been especially important in epic, classical, and elevated poetic traditions, where recurring descriptive names can enrich a subject with cultural associations. Poets employ periphrasis to meet metrical needs, vary repeated diction, heighten tone, and slow attention upon an image. It may also make an ordinary thing feel ceremonial, remote, mythical, or emotionally charged.

Periphrasis may elevate, soften, evade, or ceremonially expand an expression, as when a poet calls the sun “the eye of day.” It contrasts with plain diction and can become humorous when excessively elaborate.