poetic

1 of 2

adjective

po·​et·​ic pō-ˈe-tik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or characteristic of poets or poetry

b

: given to writing poetry

2

: written in verse

3

: having or expressing the qualities of poetry (as through aesthetic or emotional impact)

poetic language

her poetic beauty

poetic

2 of 2

less common variant of poetics sense 1b

Synonyms of poetic

Adjective

• poetical
• lyrical
• lyric
• poeticized

Examples of poetic in a Sentence

Adjective

your description of the sun setting over the Grand Canyon was a particularly poetic piece of writing

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Least Heat-Moon is part-indigenous, and his sensitive awareness of race, class, and historical inequalities enriches his anthropological, but poetic style. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Kiffin opted for the Rebels, and after two years in town, Kiffin waxed poetic about how Oxford had saved him. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

The movie’s metaphors are mixed; its sense of purpose is poetic and assured. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The words themselves feel poetic, almost decadent, but the images are robbed of their power to meet them, as each frame feels aimed only at presenting, rather than luring or excavating. — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing poetic

• poetic justice
• poetic license

Rhymes for poetic

• thetic
• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic

Kids Definition

poetic

adjective

po·​et·​ic pō-ˈet-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of poets or poetry

poetic words

2

: written in verse

poetical

-i-kəl

adjective

poetically

-k(ə-)lē

adverb