What is the Latin word for metre?

The usual Latin words for “metre” are metrum, vertō, Tibullus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“metre” in Latin

metruma measure; a meter (unit of measurement)vertōto turn, turn oneself, direct one's way, to turn about, turn around, revolve; to turn upside down, overturn, overthrow, TibullusA Roman cognomen — famously held by

The English word metre itself goes back to Latin metrum.

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

metre

metrum (the measure of syllables): versus (kind of versification): For the sake of the metre, metri causa; metri necessitate coactus: to write in the metre of Tibullus, componere aliquid Tibulli metro (Mart.).

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for metre?: The usual Latin words for “metre” are metrum, vertō, Tibullus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.