Definitions

1. adjective

relating to or characteristic of Francesco Petrarca, a 14th-century Italian poet, or his style of poetry, which typically consists of a sonnet with an octave and a sestet.

“The poet’s work was heavily influenced by the petrarchan sonnet style.”

2. noun

a poem, especially a sonnet, written in the style of Petrarca.

“The professor taught her students about the petrarchan sonnets of the Renaissance.”