A spondee is a metrical foot consisting of two long syllables, as determined by syllable weight in classical meters, or two stressed syllables in modern meters. The word comes from the Greek σπονδή, spondḗ, "libation". The spondee typically does not provide the basis for a metrical line in poetry.

What does spondee mean in poetry?

A metrical foot consisting of two accented syllables.

What are spondees used for?

Teaches Reading and Writing Poetry. In poetry, a spondee is a metrical foot that contains two stressed syllables. Spondee examples include the words “toothache,” “bookmark,” and “handshake.”