Literary Devices: Definitions & Examples

EXAMPLE: The tired boy was a slow turtle.

• Simile

• Metaphor

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

EXAMPLE: Her laughter was as sweet as a bird's song.

• Metaphor

• Simile

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

EXAMPLE: On some summer days, the garage heats up like an oven.

• Simile

• Personification

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

EXAMPLE: The night was a blanket of darkness.

• Simile

• Metaphor

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

EXAMPLE: The colorful, blooming flowers of spring are nature's grandest artwork.

• Symbolism

• Metaphor

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

EXAMPLE: After Halloween, the empty candy wrappers formed a mountain in the garbage can.

• Symbolism

• Metaphor

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

EXAMPLE: He cried out in pain just like a wolf howling at the moon.

• Simile

• Symbolism

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

EXAMPLE: The chocolate was so rich and velvety, it melted on my tongue, leaving a bittersweet taste that lingered long after I had finished.

• Symbolism

• Imagery

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

EXAMPLE: Her hand was as cold as ice when she touched my feverish forehead, sending shivers down my spine.

• Imagery

• Metaphor

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

EXAMPLE: The scent of freshly baked apple pie wafted through the air, filling the kitchen with a warm and comforting aroma.

• Simile

• Imagery

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5