poet

noun

po·​et ˈpō-ət 

-it

also ˈpȯ(-)it

1

: one who writes poetry : a maker of verses

2

: one (such as a creative artist) of great imaginative and expressive capabilities and special sensitivity to the medium

Synonyms of poet

• minstrel
• muse
• bard

Examples of poet in a Sentence

Emily Dickinson is famous as the poet who rarely left the house but often journeyed to the depths of the human heart.

Recent Examples on the Web

Three Georgia poets have new poetry collections out this fall. — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Accomplished poet and nonfiction writer Brandon Shimoda brings his love of lyricism to this memoir, a portrait of his grandfather that excavates a century of xenophobia and silence in America. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Owners Hannah and Brandan Griffin are poets who are passionate about books and the Kansas City artistic community, according to the store’s website. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026

As far as scholars know, the poet did not harbor romantic feelings for her. — Jason Miller, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French poete, from Latin poeta, from Greek poiētēs maker, poet, from poiein to make; akin to Sanskrit cinoti he gathers, heaps up

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing poet

• poet laureate

Kids Definition

poet

noun

po·​et ˈpō-ət 

-it

: a person who writes poetry