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

In the last three centuries, scholars have unearthed a few morsels—a description in an old poem of a similar tapestry; some rare Scandinavian textiles—that provide at least fragmentary context for the artifact’s existence. — John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026

By the end, the clasp, which incorporates a personal poem, looms large in comparison, representing the virus overwhelming the community. — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

The poem remembers those who have invested their labor, imagination, sacrifice, and hope in America, especially those who were denied full participation in its promises. — Octavia McBride-Ahebee, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

The ten lines of the ‘anbara poem are the ten sections of the book, all untranslated, just in Arabic. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 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