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 film starts in nature, and the whole experience provokes ideas and inspires something closer to poetry than nostalgia. — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026

What do a book of poetry, a cigar humidor, a 1928 map of Cuba, an image of the dictator Miguel Díaz-Canel in a prison uniform, and a Virgen de la Caridad found on an empty raft have in common? — Sarah Moreno august 7, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026

The poetry of this movie, in short, is in Dafoe, who gives his finest performance in years—a long trek from bliss to despair to disillusionment, and finally to the odd contentment and consolation that disillusionment often brings. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

González also studied the poetry of June Jordan, who called for the creation of more green space in Harlem. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 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