How to write a limerick? (A complete guide)

Discover how to craft limericks with our complete guide! Learn the structure, rules, and get inspired by examples to create your own funny five-line poems.

Stephan Spencer

Published on: 16-10-2024

Reviewed by: Hazel Max

Ever heard a short, funny poem that made you laugh? It might have been a limerick! These silly poems have been around for a long time.

Limericks started in Ireland, in the 1700s. People aren't sure exactly who wrote the first one, but we know they began in a city called Limerick. That's where the name comes from!

At first, limericks were just funny songs people sang in pubs. They were short and easy to remember. Soon, people all over Ireland started making up their own. The fun spread to England and then to other countries.

By the 1800s, limericks became really popular. A guy named Edward Lear wrote a whole book of them in 1846. This made limericks famous all over the world.

Today, people still love limericks. They're a great way to tell a joke or a silly story in just five lines.

Additional guides:

In this guide, we'll learn all about limericks:

What makes a limerick a limerick
How to write your own
Some funny examples

Let's get started!

Limerick poem definition

A limerick is a playful, five-line poem with a very specific structure.

In this short form, the first, second, and fifth lines are longer and share the same rhyme.

The third and fourth lines are shorter and have their own rhyme, creating a pattern often described as "AABBA".

When read aloud, limericks have a distinctive rhythm, with stress typically falling on every other word, starting with the second one. This gives them a bouncy, sing-song quality.

The heart of a limerick lies in its humor, which usually comes to a head in the final line. This last line often delivers a sudden twist, clever wordplay, or an unexpected rhyme that catches the reader off guard and (hopefully) makes them laugh.

While early limericks, like those by Edward Lear, often repeated the first line at the end with a slight twist, modern limericks tend to have a unique final line.

Despite their simple structure, limericks pack a lot of fun into just a few lines, making them a popular choice for light-hearted poetry.

Limerick Rules

A limerick is a short, witty poem with just five lines.
The first, second, and fifth lines rhyme with each other, creating a pleasing rhythm.
Lines three and four are shorter and rhyme together, creating a little twist in the poem's sound.
This catchy rhyme scheme (AABBA) is what makes a limerick a limerick.
The first line usually introduces a person, place, or thing that sets the scene for the poem
The next lines tell a story that's often funny, surprising, or just plain weird. While not always nonsensical, limericks tend to be lighthearted and unexpected.
Limericks have a bouncy, singsong rhythm that makes them fun to read aloud.

How to write a limerick poem?

1. Structure your limerick with a specific rhyme pattern

There was an old lady of France, ( A)

Who taught little ducklings to dance; (A)

When she said, “Tick-a-tack!” (B)

They only said, “Quack!” (B)

Which grieved that old lady of France. (A)

A limerick consists of five lines total. The first, second, and last lines should share the same ending sound, which we'll call sound "A." For the middle two lines, use a different shared ending sound, which we'll call sound "B."

The sounds "A" and "B" should be distinct from each other. Your limerick's rhyme arrangement will look like this:

Line 1: Rhyme A

Line 2: Rhyme A

Line 3: Rhyme B

Line 4:Rhyme B

Line 5: Rhyme A

This layout creates the characteristic AABBA pattern that gives limericks their unique rhythm and sound. When writing, focus on matching these end sounds while keeping the content of each line related to your chosen topic or story.

2. Use a syllable scheme

A syllable is a single unit of spoken sound in a word. It consists of a vowel sound (short or long) with or without surrounding consonant sounds. Here's how syllables work in limericks:

Counting Syllables: Count the individual vowel sounds, whether short or long. One vowel sound usually equals one syllable, even if it's combined with consonants (like "cat").
Syllable Scheme: This refers to the specific number of syllables in each line of a limerick.

Limericks follow a specific syllable scheme that contributes to their rhythm and structure:

Lines 1, 2, and 5: These lines typically have 8 to 10 syllables each. They can be slightly flexible, but staying within this range helps maintain the rhythm.
Lines 3 and 4: These lines are shorter and have 5 to 7 syllables each.

Here's a breakdown using the example:

Line1: There was an old la dy of France (8 syllables)

Each word has its own syllables: There (1), was (1), an (1), old (1), la (1), dy (1), of (1), France (1)

Line 2: Who taught lit tle duck lings to dance (8 syllables)

Again, break down each word: Who (1), taught (1), lit (1), tle (1), duck (1), lings (1), to (1), dance (1)

Line 3: When she said, “Tick-a-tack!” (5 syllables)

Tick (1), a (1), tack (1)! (1)

Line 4: They on ly said, “Quack!” (5 syllables)

They (1), on (1), ly (1), said (1), Quack (1)! (1)

Line 5: Which grieved that old la dy of France (8 syllables)

Which (1), grieved (1), that (1), old (1), la (1), dy (1), of (1), France (1)

When writing a limerick, keep the syllable scheme in mind. Here's a reminder:

Lines 1, 2, and 5: Aim for 8-10 syllables.
Lines 3 and 4: Aim for 5-7 syllables.

Counting syllables as you write helps ensure your limerick has the proper structure and rhythm.

3. Must follow the meter in limericks

In poetry, meter refers to the rhythmic pattern created by stressed and unstressed syllables. Limericks follow a specific meter:

Stressed Syllables: These are the syllables emphasized when you read the poem aloud. They create the rhythm and "beat."
Unstressed Syllables: These syllables are spoken quickly and connect the stressed syllables.

Limericks use a 3-3-2-2-3 meter pattern, meaning:

Lines 1, 2, and 5: These lines have three stressed syllables each.
Lines 3 and 4: These lines are shorter and have two stressed syllables each.

Example:

Let's analyze the meter of the provided poem, "There was an old lady of France":

Line 1: There WAS an OLD la / dy of FRANCE (8 syllables)

Stressed syllables: WAS, OLD, FRANCE (3 stressed syllables)

Unstressed syllables: There, an, la, dy, of (5 unstressed syllables)

Line 2: Who TAUGHT lit / tle DUCK / lings to DANCE (8 syllables)

Stressed syllables: TAUGHT, LITtle, DANCE (3 stressed syllables)

Unstressed syllables: Who, lings, to (5 unstressed syllables)

Line 3: When SHE said, “Tick-a-tack!” (5 syllables)

Stressed syllables: SHE, said (2 stressed syllables) (Note: "Tick-a-tack" functions as a single unit)

Unstressed syllables: When, (3 unstressed syllables)

Line 4: They ON / ly said, “Quack!” (5 syllables)

Stressed syllables: ONly, Quack (2 stressed syllables)

Unstressed syllables: They, said, (3 unstressed syllables)

Line 5: Which GRIEVED that OLD la / dy of FRANCE. (8 syllables)

Stressed syllables: GRIEVED, OLD, FRANCE (3 stressed syllables)

Unstressed syllables: Which, that, la, dy, of (5 unstressed syllables)

As you can see, the poem consistently follows the 3-3-2-2-3 meter pattern, contributing to its sing-songy rhythm and catchy nature.

While writing a limerick, you can say "da" for unstressed syllables and "DUM" for stressed syllables to ensure you have the right rhythm:

da da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (Line 1)

da da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (Line 2)

da da DUM da da DUM (Line 3)

da da DUM da da DUM (Line 4)

da da DUM da da DUM da da DUM (Line 5)

4. Brainstorm the limerick ideas

The first step is to think of a situation that made you laugh. This could be:

A funny mishap you experienced
A silly interaction with a friend or family member
An amusing observation of someone or something
A recent joke that tickled you

Begin with your name

Then, begin the limerick with the classic opening line format

There once was a fellow named Bard

In the second line, introduce a silly or unexpected situation. The more absurd, the funnier the limerick!

There once was a fellow named Bard,

Who loved wearing a hat in the yard.

Choose Your Location

Think about a place that sparks your imagination. It could be:

Your hometown
A city you've always wanted to visit
A place known for something unique

Start your limerick with a line referencing the chosen location:

A village in Switzerland, quaint,

In the second line, highlight something specific about the place you chose. This could be a landmark, tradition, or even a stereotype (used humorously).

A village in Switzerland, quaint, Had houses that looked like they might paint

Use an interesting scenario

Think of something unexpected and funny that wouldn't happen in real life for example;

What if dogs could wear shoes?

Ok then introduce the scenario; Begin your limerick with a line setting up the silly situation:

Imagine a pup with a brand new pair of shoes,

explore the scenario; use the following line to describe what might happen in this silly world.

He'd trip on the laces and give funny clues,

Read different Limericks

Read many different limericks to learn how they work. Look for old and new ones in poetry books and good websites.

When you read them, listen for the special beat and rhymes. Try saying them out loud to hear how they sound funny and musical.

5. Create your own limerick

Introduce your poem's character in the opening line.

Start your limerick by introducing the main character. The opening line should clearly indicate who the poem is about. You can mention the character's name or gender.

Popular ways to begin include phrases like "A fellow named" or "I knew a." Keep in mind that the first line typically has eight or nine syllables to maintain the limerick's rhythm.

For instance, you might start with: "A teacher from rural Maine"

Or: "I knew a young chef called Lorraine"

Pick short, snappy words

Opt for short, effective words that rhyme. Select terms that fit your limerick's theme or main character. Single-syllable words are ideal, as they help you stick to the poem's rhythm and make counting syllables easier.

For instance, if your first line is, "A brave knight with shining gear," you might brainstorm rhymes like "fear," "tear," or "cheer." Then, craft your story around these rhyming words to build your limerick.

Show your character taking an unexpected action

Make your main person do something funny or surprising. Use effective words to show what they're doing. Pick an action that will make people laugh or say "Wow!"

For example:

"Who danced with a mop in the rain"

Or: "Who ate spaghetti with gloves"

Present a problem for your character to face

Introduce a challenge or problem for your character in the third and fourth lines. This could be an encounter with another person, an animal, or a tricky situation.

Maybe your character falls into a funny situation or meets a surprise problem. The key is to choose a problem that's both surprising and a bit silly.

For instance:

"But his hat flew away

And landed on a stray"

Or:

"When she tried to bake bread

The dough covered her head"

Conclude your poem

Wrap up your limerick with a clever conclusion. The final line should address the character's problem or situation. This could be through a sudden insight, an unexpected decision, or a comical action that solves (or humorously fails to solve) their dilemma.

For example:

"So he learned to fly kites in the rain"

Or:

"Now she juggles pies for a living"

6. Refine your limerick poem

Refresh your limerick by reading it aloud, emphasizing the rhythm and checking for proper rhyme scheme. Listen for any awkward phrasing or unnecessary words, and fix any spelling or grammar errors.

Share your creation with others, asking for their honest feedback and noting their reactions - a laugh is often a good sign. Consider their suggestions for improvements.

Finally, choose a fitting title, perhaps using the first line or the main character's name. Remember, hearing your work spoken is one of the best ways to polish it, helping you perfect the flow and ensure it sounds natural when recited.

Limerick poem examples

Limerick 1

There was an Old Man with a beard,

Who said, "It is just as I feared!—

Two Owls and a Hen,

Four Larks and a Wren,

Have all built their nests in my beard!"

This limerick was written by Edward Lear, an English artist, illustrator, and poet, who lived from 1812 to 1888. Lear is widely recognized for popularizing the limerick form with his publication "A Book of Nonsense" in 1846.

Edward Lear's limericks are known for their playful and absurd nature. This poem humorously describes an old man whose beard becomes a nesting site for various birds, showcasing Lear's characteristic blend of whimsy and nonsense.

Limerick 2

A flea and a fly in a flue,

Were caught, so what could they do?

Said the fly, "Let us flee!"

"Let us fly," said the flea.

So they flew through a flaw in the flue.

This limerick is often attributed to Ogden Nash (1902–1971), an American poet known for his light verse and playful use of language. Nash frequently used clever wordplay and humorous themes in his work, making this limerick a good fit with his style.

Nash's limerick showcases his trademark wordplay and wit. The rhyme and rhythm add to the playful nature of the poem, making it both a fun and engaging read.

Limerick 3

There once was a lady named Bright,

Whose speed was much faster than light.

She set out one day,

In a relative way,

And returned on the previous night.

This limerick is often attributed to A.H. Reginald Buller (1874–1944), a British-Canadian mycologist and poet. Buller was known for his humorous takes on scientific concepts, and this limerick is a classic example of his work, blending humor with a nod to Einstein's theory of relativity.

In this poem, Buller uses the concept of traveling faster than light to create a humorous twist on time travel. The limerick's cleverness lies in its scientific reference, making it amusing and thought-provoking.

Limerick 4

A painter, who lived in Great Britain,

Interrupted two girls with their knittin'.

He said, with a sigh,

"That park bench—well I

Just painted it, right where you're sittin'."

This limerick is by Dixon Lanier Merritt (1879–1972), an American poet and humorist. Although Merritt is best known for his humorous verse, this particular limerick is a testament to his ability to find humor in everyday situations.

Merritt's limerick is a humorous scenario involving a painter and two oblivious knitters. The twist ending, where the girls realize they are sitting on wet paint, adds a playful and amusing element to the poem.

Limerick 5

There once was a man from Nantucket,

Who kept all his cash in a bucket.

But his daughter, named Nan,

Ran away with a man,

And as for the bucket, Nantucket.

This limerick, often considered a classic example of the form, is attributed to an anonymous source but became widely popular in the early 20th century through various humorous publications. It's a part of American folklore and is frequently cited as an example of traditional limerick humor.

The Nantucket limerick is known for its clever wordplay and the twist involving the man's daughter and the bucket of cash. The humor and rhythm make it a memorable and oft-repeated limerick, highlighting the form's appeal and simplicity.

Wrapping Up

Limerick poems are a delightful way to play with words and bring humor into your day. Now that you've learned what makes a limerick, how to write one, and seen some amusing examples, you're ready to try your hand at creating your own!

Are you excited to craft a fun limerick that could make someone smile or even laugh out loud?

Grab a pen and paper, or open a new document, and start brainstorming your first line. Remember, the key to a great limerick is a playful twist at the end

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a limerick only 5 lines?

Yes, a limerick is only 5 lines.

2. What is a 8 8 5 5 8 limerick?

8 8 5 5 8 refers to the syllable count in each line, a common limerick structure.

3. What is the best way to start a limerick?

There's no single "best" way, but starting with a character and location is a good bet!