poet

noun

po·​et ˈpō-ət How to pronounce poet (audio)
-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

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
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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 See All Example Sentences for poet

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Poet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poet. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

poet

noun
po·​et ˈpō-ət How to pronounce poet (audio)
-it
: a person who writes poetry

More from Merriam-Webster on poet

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