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

• 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 bulk of the day would be musical, but the recognition of the Haight’s roots in Beat poetry was essential. —Dennis McNally, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025

In the kitchens of Palestine there is a kind of quiet poetry. —Sami Tamimi august 6, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2025

But Jamie is so full of feeling and love and everything under the sun and obviously loves poetry to pieces. —Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2025

Hulu 'My Oxford Year' Anna (Sofia Carson) is a New Yorker who fulfills her life's dream of going to Oxford University to study poetry. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025

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