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

Some people like to write poems, other people like to perform music, other people like to run marathons. — We The Action, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Written by actor Bob Odenkirk and illustrated by his daughter, each poem features a fun play on words and a zany illustration. — Toby Rose, Parents, 30 June 2026

Helena Bonham Carter, there’s a TikTok of her reading a Mary Oliver poem. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 3 July 2026

The couple published the journal’s first issue in July 1976, which included notes from the editors, essays and poems. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 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