Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An iamb is a metrical foot in poetry consisting of two syllables where the first syllable is unstressed and the second syllable is stressed. It creates a rhythmic pattern that resembles natural speech.
Related terms
Trochee: A trochee is another metrical foot in poetry consisting of two syllables where the first syllable is stressed and the second syllable is unstressed. It has the opposite pattern of an iamb.
Spondee: A spondee is a metrical foot in poetry consisting of two stressed syllables. It creates a heavy and emphatic rhythm.
Anapest: An anapest is a metrical foot in poetry consisting of three syllables where the first two are unstressed and the third one is stressed. It has a flowing and light rhythm.