Polysyndeton is the deliberate use of many conjunctions in close succession, especially where they might ordinarily be omitted. The repeated “and” or “or” slows the pace and gives each item equal weight.

Hemingway’s long sentences strung with “and” are often cited; biblical prose and certain oratorical styles also favor the device. Where asyndeton omits conjunctions for speed and compression, polysyndeton multiplies them for cumulative force or solemnity. The effect can be hypnotic, exhaustive, or childlike depending on context.

Used with control, polysyndeton makes a list feel abundant or relentless. Overused, it becomes monotonous. Writers reach for it when they want the reader to linger on each element rather than rush through a series.

A string of items joined by repeated conjunctions rather than commas alone is polysyndeton.