incremental repetition

noun

: repetition in each stanza (as of a ballad) of part of the preceding stanza usually with a slight change in wording for dramatic effect

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incremental repetition was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near incremental repetition

Cite this Entry

“Incremental repetition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incremental%20repetition. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on incremental repetition

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!