poesy

noun

po·​e·​sy ˈpō-ə-zē How to pronounce poesy (audio)
-sē
plural poesies
1
a
: a poem or body of poems
b
: poetry
c
: artificial or sentimentalized poetic writing
2
: poetic inspiration

Example Sentences

in olden days young gentlemen were expected to be proficient in the art of poesy
Recent Examples on the Web Kosann and Mirojnick designed three core styles for the collection: a poesy ring, a charm and a locket. Ej Panaligan, Variety, 15 Nov. 2022 The collection evolved from there into Monica’s distinctive twist on some of her favorite antique and vintage pieces—charms, poesy rings and celestial motifs. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2022 Expect to use up multiple pens on this novel in verse, an elegiac meditation on poesy and religion. Katie Ward Beim-esche, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Mar. 2018 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of T. S. Eliot’s feline poesy ends its Broadway revival. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poesy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poesie, from Middle French, from Latin poesis, from Greek poiēsis, literally, creation, from poiein

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of poesy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near poesy

Cite this Entry

“Poesy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poesy. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

poesy

noun
po·​esy
ˈpō-ə-zē,
-sē
plural poesies
: poetic form or composition : poetry
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