Haiku Society of America
Note: these three definitions were updated in 2026.
HAIKU definition
A haiku is a short poem that uses imagistic language to convey the essence of an experience of nature or the season intuitively linked to the human condition in which a cut suggests a meaningful relationship between two or more images, perceptions, or ideas.
SENRYU definition
A senryu is a brief poem that highlights the human condition in its many dimensions. They are usually written with one to three lines in two parts that can be images, perceptions, or ideas. Although senryu are often humorous or satiric, they need not be.
HAIBUN definition
Haibun are hybrid works in which imagistic text (such as narrative or lyric) links with one or more haiku, creating leaps and discoveries that enrich the reading experience. A haibun usually contains a title that resonates with the text and haiku, so that they all become more than the sum of their parts to evoke a deeper understanding.
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