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

• bard
• minstrel
• muse
• poetaster
• rhymester
• rimester
• versifier

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

The foundation also recognized the poet and activist Galal El-Behairy with the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 16 May 2025

Poe: This one-syllable name, inspired by The Raven poet, could be a match for parents seeking a bookish name or one with a soft-gothic feel. —Anna Earl, Parents, 15 May 2025

Blues, flamenco, jazz and a wild-eyed poet For Krieger, the band made its indelible mark precisely because of its wildly different personnel. —Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 14 May 2025

The minimalist narrative follows a thirtysomething poet who, after dropping off his girlfriend at her home, unexpectedly spends the day with her family. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 May 2025

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