Word Finder
What's the word for a poem whose first letters spell a message?
The word you're looking for
An acrostic is a poem where the first letters of each line spell a word or message. It is the best word for your description.
Other words that fit
Use this when you want to make it extra clear for learners or non-specialists.
Use this only if the message is spelled by the last letters of the lines.
Use this for a simple, informal description, not as a precise literary term.
Why this word
An acrostic is a poem or piece of writing in which the first letters of each line form a hidden word or message. This is the standard term, and it is the best match for your query. People sometimes say “acrostic poem,” but the single word “acrostic” is more natural. Do not confuse it with a poem where the last letters spell a message; that is a different form.
In context
- She wrote an acrostic for her mother's birthday.
- The first letters spell a secret message in the acrostic.
- Our teacher asked us to make an acrostic poem.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Does an acrostic always use the first letters of each line?
- Yes, that is the usual meaning. The hidden word is read down the first letters.
- Is an acrostic only for poems?
- No. It can also be used in puzzles, names, or short messages.
- What is it called if the last letters spell a message?
- That is usually called a telestich.