1. one or more unstressed syllables at the beginning of a line of verse before the regular meter begins
Usage: poetry; prosody
2. one or more notes that precede the first downbeat of a musical phrase
Usage: music

Examples

• The poem’s opening line contains an anacrusis that creates a gentle lead-in to the main rhythm.
• In Shakespeare’s sonnets, anacrusis often appears at the beginning of lines to vary the iambic pentameter.
• The melody begins with a two-note anacrusis before the strong beat enters.
• Musicians must carefully time the anacrusis to ensure proper synchronization with the ensemble.
• The anacrusis in this folk song gives it a lilting, dance-like quality.
• Poetry students learn to identify anacrusis as part of understanding metrical patterns.
• The composer used anacrusis effectively to create forward momentum in the phrase.