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

• verse
• lyric
• song
• sonnet

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

From activist Raquel Willis’ opening remarks to poems recited in honor of the late literary giant Nikki Giovanni, along with talks from leading voices such as Professor Imani Perry and Kiese Laymon, to cultural critic Roxanne Gay, the festival was filled with insight, reverence and celebration. —Essence, 19 June 2025

Because everyone was so gay?), Justin would been our Ginsberg with the title poem, The Gutted, which shares what happen to the best minds of his generation. —Michelle Tea june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025

At the same time, copyright protection is granted only to the part created by a human (in particular, poems and children’s stories written by a person). —Olena Orliuk, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

In the play’s most beautiful moments, Smart recites Izzy’s poems in a sweet-bourbon croon—wafting, careful, soft. —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 13 June 2025

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