poem

noun

po·​em ˈpō-əm 

-im, 

ˈpōm

also ˈpȯ(-)im, 

ˈpō-ˌem 

1

: a composition in verse

2

: something suggesting a poem (as in expressiveness, lyricism, or formal grace)

The house we stayed in … was itself a poem.

—H. J. Laski

Synonyms of poem

• verse
• lyric
• song
• sonnet
• poetry

Examples of poem in a Sentence

He wrote a poem about his parents.

your assignment is to write two poems about springtime

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s one of the things in the poem that’s breezed over—the way in which the crew ends up getting killed one by one, despite his leadership. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 24 July 2026

Both the card and the poem speak of juxtaposition and the ramifications of decisions. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

Nolan’s interpretation of Homer’s epic poem is about the unintended consequences of breaking with tradition in pursuit of short-term gain. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

The Odyssey, Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s classic epic poem, recently debuted in theaters on July 17. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French poeme, from Latin poema, from Greek poiēma, from poiein

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing poem

• found poem
• heroic poem
• prose poem
• symphonic poem
• tone poem

Rhymes for poem

• jeroboam
• rehoboam

Kids Definition

poem

noun

po·​em ˈpō-əm  -im 

ˈpōm

also ˈpō-ˌem

: a composition in verse