In poetry, a refrain is a word, line, or phrase that is repeated within the lines or stanzas of the poem itself. It can be used to build up drama, emphasis, or rhythm, and can help an idea stick in the readers mind and give the poem a memorable rhythm. There are three common types of refrain:

• Repetend: This is where particular words are repeated throughout the poem.
• Chorus: This is usually read by more than one person in unison, and sometimes can be considered the theme of the poem.
• Burden: This is the most common form of refrain, in which a whole word or phrase is repeated at regular intervals.

Refrains can appear at the end of a stanza, or they can appear as their own stanza. Sometimes refrains rhyme, though it is not necessary. Refrains are found in literature as varied as ancient Egyptian, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin verse, popular ballads, and Renaissance and Romantic lyrics.