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

• 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

Of course Swift’s legion of devotees would scoff at the notion that their heroine was anything but a pop goddess, their very own Glinda the Good Witch sent to comfort with lyrical poetry and aid crumpled hearts. —Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

Verbatim Reginald Dwayne Betts A 2012 essay from the American Poetry Review on poetry and the architecture of anger. —JSTOR Daily, 3 Oct. 2025

But the Dash does have an outsized history that shifts it out of the realm of poetry and folklore alone. —Leanna Renee Hieber, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025

In Lenox, visit Edith Wharton’s magnificent former home, the Mount, which hosts events including ghost tours and poetry readings. —Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 2 Oct. 2025

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