what is a sonnet and what significance does it have in a poem?

A sonnet is usually a short poem of fourteen lines. It can follow a number of formal rhyme schemes. The term "sonnet" is derived from the words ‘sonet’ and ‘sonettpe’ which mean "little song" or "little sound" respectively.

The Sicilian poet Giacomo da Lentini is credited with its invention. This poetic form began in Italy. William Shakespeare is said to be the most renowned person in this field, who had written more than 154 sonnets.