hokku
/ˈhɒkuː/
noun
- A traditional Japanese poem consisting of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern, often focusing on nature; the precursor to the modern haiku.
- The poet composed a hokku about cherry blossoms falling in the spring breeze.
- She studied classical hokku to understand the origins of haiku poetry.
- In the 17th century, Matsuo Basho elevated the hokku to a serious art form.