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

Based on Arthur Schnitzler’s 1890’s novella, Burch has modernized it and changed the Vienna setting to New York City’s Soho district, a once-bustling enclave for artists and poets and now something quite different. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

The evocative title is a quotation from the 13th century Persian poet Rumi. — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Homer, the enigmatic poet, still provokes and inspires us all. — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra returns for its second year in a row Saturday night for a mix of symphonic music alongside Grammy Award-winning artists and poets. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 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