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

At the time, American poet and journalist Don Blanding was reporting for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin (today, Honolulu Star-Advertiser). —Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 May 2025

The poem is in good company, beckoning poets of the past and future to join it on deck. —A.o. Scott, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

And as for writing a poem, the Poetry Society of America has highlighted autistic poets. —Alison Escalante, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Born in 1883, Savarkar was a poet, historian, agitator, and reformer. —Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 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