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

One was an enslaved young poet whose words crossed the Atlantic before they were fully embraced at home. — Robin Follman, Oc Register, 4 July 2026

Many American poets have written hymns and howls, declarations and outcries for this country that brims with so many people, and so many hopes, from all over the world. — Scott Simon, NPR, 4 July 2026

Yet the wilderness is just plain green, a meeting spot for people of all backgrounds and political views, from deer hunters to biologists, bass fishermen to poets. — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 3 July 2026

For Jesús Roberto Ramírez, a 36-year-old poet and content creator, the phrase touches on something deeper. — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 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