poetry

noun

po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē 

-i-trē

also ˈpȯ(-)i-trē

1

a

: metrical writing : verse

b

: the productions of a poet : poems

2

: writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm

3

a

: something likened to poetry especially in beauty of expression

b

: poetic quality or aspect

the poetry of dance

Synonyms of poetry

• song
• verse
• rhyme
• poesy

Examples of poetry in a Sentence

I read the poem in a collection of modern poetry.

She's published two books of lyric poetry and a novel.

He found it easiest to express himself in the language of poetry.

Her dancing is pure poetry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Among the artifacts are Anne Frank’s first photo album, handwritten verses by Anne and her sister Margot in friends’ poetry albums, and a German fairytale book belonging to the two. —Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

Her poetry and prose have appeared in such places as The New Yorker, Ploughshares, American Poetry Review, and the Los Angeles Review of Books. —Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026

Some of our most talented writers are delivering novels, nonfiction and poetry in the coming months. —Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026

People who had never before bought a book of poetry found meaning in the spiritual verses of Rumi. —Rebecca McCarthy, AJC.com, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing poetry

• concrete poetry
• poetry in motion
• poetry reading

Kids Definition

poetry

noun

po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē 

-i-trē

1

a

: writing usually with a rhythm that repeats : verse

b

: the productions of a poet : poems

2

: writing chosen and arranged to create a certain emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm