poetic

1 of 2

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

poetic

2 of 2

less common variant of poetics sense 1b

Synonyms of poetic

Adjective

• poetical
• lyrical
• lyric
• poeticized

Examples of poetic in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Composed of poetic extracts from interviews Kapla recorded with residents of a settlement deep in the Swedish forest, this book offers a collage of everyday gripes, lyricism expressed in everyday language, and unexpected glimpses of the sublime. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 26 Aug. 2026

Dolly Parton, the country music icon whose poetic lyrics spoke to the American experience, died Tuesday, her family announced. — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Rooted in raw reality but told through poetic fiction, James Baldwin’s masterwork attends a day in the life of 14-year-old John Grimes and the awakenings, histories, and stories that shape his life. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

This film weaves that footage with new images of his exile, a poetic documentary essay that refuses the urgency of breaking news. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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