poet

noun

po·​et ˈpō-ət 

-it

also ˈpȯ(-)it

1

: one who writes poetry : a maker of verses

2

: one (such as a creative artist) of great imaginative and expressive capabilities and special sensitivity to the medium

Synonyms of poet

• minstrel
• muse
• bard

Examples of poet in a Sentence

Emily Dickinson is famous as the poet who rarely left the house but often journeyed to the depths of the human heart.

Recent Examples on the Web

Urban legend goes that Day-Lewis saw the ghost of his own late father, the poet Cecil Day-Lewis, that night on stage. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026

Robin Morgan, a wholesome child star of the 1940s and ‘50s who grew up to become an all-American radical as a poet, essayist, editor and second-wave feminist, has died. — Hillel Italie, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Even more remarkable was their response to feedback from both poets and composers. — Octavia McBride-Ahebee, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

The ancient poet may have thus been surprised to learn that today, time is indeed retrievable—at least somewhat. — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French poete, from Latin poeta, from Greek poiētēs maker, poet, from poiein to make; akin to Sanskrit cinoti he gathers, heaps up

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing poet

• poet laureate

Kids Definition

poet

noun

po·​et ˈpō-ət 

-it

: a person who writes poetry