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

Some of these recent works center firsthand experiences living with HIV/AIDS in a time of PrEP and U=U; poet Danez Smith explores the intersections of queerness, Blackness and HIV in their work. —Literary Hub, 29 May 2026

The elegiac Terenti Graneli was the nation’s most significant poet for 800 years. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 29 May 2026

Singer/entertainer Josephine Baker (1906) and poet Allen Ginsberg (1926) were born on June 3. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 29 May 2026

This multimedia intergenerational event centers live musical and poetic performance presented by a team of Philadelphia-area musicians and poets, consisting of new music inspired by American Folk, Blues, and Afro-Caribbean music. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 26 May 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