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

• minstrelsy
• poesy
• song
• verse

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

Chaining two of these machines together, Kalma was able to create analog loops of saxophone, church organ, and other instruments, layering them with poetry and found sound in his first original compositions. —Walden Green, Pitchfork, 8 June 2025

Bryant invited author Clint Waters to her shop for a reading of his science fiction and poetry, which feature LGBTQ+ themes. —Diana Lambdin Meyer, USA Today, 7 June 2025

In two brief pen strokes of poetry, Stone had summed up internship. —Danielle Ofri, New Yorker, 7 June 2025

Visitors in attendance saw live hip-hop and R&B performances, spoken word poetry and paintings from local artists. —Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 6 June 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