/huy"kooh/ , n. , pl. haiku for 2.
1. a major form of Japanese verse, written in 17 syllables divided into 3 lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, and employing highly evocative allusions and comparisons, often on the subject of nature or one of the seasons.
2. a poem written in this form.
[ 1895-1900; hai ( kai ) HAIKAI + ku stanza; see HOKKU ]