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

That felt empowering until January, when federal agents in Minnesota shot and killed two American protesters — a poet with three children and an intensive care nurse. — Danielle Paquette, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

The purpose of the project, as is Alexander’s work as a poet and scholar, is to create a more complete picture of our country. — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

For decades, activists, poets, writers, musicians and entertainers who have stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people have faced consequences for doing so. — Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026

Copyright © 2026 by Mahmoud Darwish Mahmoud Darwish Mahmoud Darwish was a Palestinian author and poet. — Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 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