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Definition of doggerel

doggerel

/ˈdɔː.ɡə.ɹəl/
dog · ger · el
Plural:doggerels
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doggerel Lexical Profile

doggerel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Verse or poetry that is poorly constructed, irregular in rhythm, and trivial or comic in subject matter.

Example

"Although the greeting card contained only sentimental doggerel, it still made her smile."

Synonyms
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• adjective

1

Of, relating to, or characteristic of crudely written, irregular, or trivial verse.

Example

"The pamphlet was filled with doggerel rhymes mocking the local mayor."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

dogged
doggedly
doggedness
doggerel
doggie
dogginess
doggo

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 14th century in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' as 'rym dogerel', the word is likely a diminutive formation derived from 'dog', used disparagingly to denote inferior or worthless verse.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Doggerel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/doggerel
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