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

As the latest chapter in the epic British-American poem known as Fleetwood Mac,Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks are back to tolerating each other’s nonsense in a sexy way. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

Nearly fifty years later, Saxberger’s early burst of literary promise is long forgotten, as are the poems themselves. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

In addition to her poem at Diana’s funeral, Jane was an important part of her nephew Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026

This Circe may not look much like the lovely goddess of the poem, and her role may be limited to the metamorphosis of men into pigs. — Bailey Sincox, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 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