What is an eight-line stanza commonly referred to as?

An eight-line stanza is commonly referred to as an octave. In poetry, the term "octave" is used to denote a stanza or a poem that is composed of eight lines, and it often follows a specific rhyme scheme, particularly in sonnets such as the Petrarchan sonnet, which consists of an octave followed by a sestet. Understanding the structure of an octave helps in analyzing the rhythm and flow of poetry, especially in relation to traditional forms.

The other terms are not applicable to an eight-line stanza; a quatrain refers to a four-line stanza, a couplet consists of two lines, and a heptastich is a seven-line stanza. Recognizing these distinctions aids in the study of poetry and enhances the appreciation of different poetic forms.