What is a Stanza? A Stanza is a set amount of lines grouped by rhythmical pattern and meter. It usually has four or more lines and is can be referred to as a verse. List of stanza names according to number of lines: 2 lines = Couplet. 3 lines = Tercet. 4 lines = Quatrain. 5 lines = Cinquain. Other stanza names: Ballad stanza. Ottava rima. Stanzas are used in poetry for structure. The length and pattern of the stanza decides what type of poem it is. Why don't you write a poem and enter it into one of our poetry competitions. More poetry terms below.