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

Biermann, the new documentary film from Jens Meurer (An Impossible Project, Public Enemy, Seaside Special), is a portrait of the outspoken political singer-songwriter and poet Wolf Biermann. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026

Aside from his work on screen, the Londoner is an accomplished poet whose work explores themes of masculinity, love, grief and connection. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Head south of the border for a chilling crime documentary about José Luis Calva Zepeda, a poet and playwright in Mexico City who used his way with words to woo women. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026

And poet Countee Cullen’s widow Ida Mae makes sure her husband’s name and accomplishments are on everyone’s mind. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 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