poetic

adjective

po·​et·​ic pō-ˈe-tik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or characteristic of poets or poetry

b

: given to writing poetry

2

: written in verse

3

: having or expressing the qualities of poetry (as through aesthetic or emotional impact)

poetic language

her poetic beauty

Synonyms of poetic

• poetical
• lyrical
• lyric
• poeticized

Examples of poetic in a Sentence

your description of the sun setting over the Grand Canyon was a particularly poetic piece of writing

Recent Examples on the Web

The first major Roman poet, Ennius, describes a dream in which Homer’s ghost appeared to him and explained that souls transmigrate after bodily death; this poetic spirit would now take up residence in Ennius. — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026

For his part, MLS commissioner Don Garber’s off-the-cuff take was well-nigh poetic. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026

The version by Robert Fagles is the classic, more poetic translation while still being very readable. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026

Dennis in the most unsatisfying way possible — by tossing him off a roof and not even giving Murray Bartlett a chance to wax poetic about life and death — Paula is quickly cleared of all charges. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing poetic

• poetic justice
• poetic license

Rhymes for poetic

• thetic
• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic

Kids Definition

poetic

adjective

po·​et·​ic pō-ˈet-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of poets or poetry

poetic words

2

: written in verse

poetical

-i-kəl

adjective

poetically

-k(ə-)lē

adverb