What does "meter" refer to in poetry?

In poetry, "meter" specifically refers to the rhythmic structure of lines, which is determined by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. This rhythmic quality governs how a poem flows and is typically organized into specific units called feet, each consisting of a particular arrangement of stressed (strong) and unstressed (weak) syllables.

For instance, iambic pentameter, a common metrical pattern in English poetry, consists of five feet per line where each foot contains an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. The choice of meter can greatly influence the tone, pacing, and overall musicality of the poem, thus playing a crucial role in how the poem is experienced by the reader when read aloud.

Understanding meter enriches one’s appreciation of poetry, as it allows readers to recognize the intricate patterns that contribute to the poem’s meaning and emotional impact.