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 lounge hosts monthly poetry nights, live saxophone and painting sessions, fundraisers and community discussions. —Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026

There have been Heil Hitler-ing Nazis and aspiring flag burners, and a heel who wore a cap and gown into the ring and recited poetry. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

On Saturday evening, the veteran American filmmaker Charlie Kaufman appeared at the Sands Film Festival in St Andrews, Scotland, for an onstage Q&A, originally billed as an exploration of the relationship between poetry and cinema. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026

Hansard found himself in Dublin City, hanging out with writers like Seamus Heaney, directors like Jim Sheridan, and listening to Paul Meehan reciting poetry in a basement. —Charles Moss, SPIN, 20 Apr. 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