sestet

noun

ses·​tet ses-ˈtet How to pronounce sestet (audio)
: a stanza or a poem of six lines
specifically : the last six lines of an Italian sonnet

Examples of sestet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This 14-line pseudo-sonnet roughly follows the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet with its octave (first eight lines) stating a tension and the sestet (final six lines) including a volta (or turn). New York Times, 5 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sestet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian sestetto, from sesto sixth, from Latin sextus — more at sext

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sestet was circa 1859

Dictionary Entries Near sestet

Cite this Entry

“Sestet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sestet. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sestet

noun
ses·​tet se-ˈstet How to pronounce sestet (audio)
: a group of six lines of poetry (as the last six lines of a sonnet)
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