What is a four-line stanza in poetry called?

A four-line stanza in poetry is called a quatrain. This term is widely used in various forms of poetry and can serve a variety of purposes, often contributing to the rhyme scheme and overall structure of a poem. Quatrains can be arranged in multiple patterns, such as alternating rhymes or enclosed rhymes, making them versatile and popular in both traditional and contemporary poetry.

In contrast, the other options represent different structures; a strophe refers to a group of lines that are part of a larger stanzaic form, particularly in ancient Greek verse. A tercet consists of three lines, which limits its application compared to the four lines of a quatrain. A haiku, originating from Japan, is a specific form of poetry made up of three lines that follow a syllable pattern of 5-7-5, making it distinct from the quatrain structure.