How many syllables make up a haiku?

The story behind the answer

17. A traditional haiku is three lines arranged 5–7–5, which adds up to 17 syllables in English practice. That’s why 17 is correct.

Originating in Japan and popularized by poets like Matsuo Bashō, haiku traditionally counts morae (on) rather than English syllables, and often includes a seasonal word (kigo) and a “cutting” word (kireji) to create a vivid juxtaposition. Modern English haiku sometimes use fewer than 17 syllables to match the brev