poetry

noun

po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē 

-i-trē

also ˈpȯ(-)i-trē

1

a

: metrical writing : verse

b

: the productions of a poet : poems

2

: writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm

3

a

: something likened to poetry especially in beauty of expression

b

: poetic quality or aspect

the poetry of dance

Synonyms of poetry

• song
• verse
• rhyme
• poesy

Examples of poetry in a Sentence

I read the poem in a collection of modern poetry.

She's published two books of lyric poetry and a novel.

He found it easiest to express himself in the language of poetry.

Her dancing is pure poetry.

Recent Examples on the Web

The NewBridge School Main Stage will feature author conversations alongside live music, poetry and programming recognizing America’s 250th anniversary. — Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

The San Jose Poetry Festival opens Sunday night with a poetry slam event featuring Richmond poet Reggie Edmonds-Vásquez at Wheelhouse of Willow Glen, 1173 Lincoln Ave. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

So that was a follow-up poem to the title poem of your first book of poetry, which is also about thinking about your past in terms of numbers. — Terry Gross, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

The religion places a particularly strong emphasis on creative pursuits and thus offerings often include written prayers, poetry, and song. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing poetry

• concrete poetry
• poetry in motion
• poetry reading

Kids Definition

poetry

noun

po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē 

-i-trē

1

a

: writing usually with a rhythm that repeats : verse

b

: the productions of a poet : poems

2

: writing chosen and arranged to create a certain emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm