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

This is a literary gathering held at Anaheim Central Library and dedicated to a diverse range of storytelling in independent publishing, highlighting new and original work in poetry, fiction, graphic novels, nonfiction and children’s books. — Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2026

Poems Pritam’s poetry stands out for its intimate, emotionally direct voice, often resisting the social expectations placed on women. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Nov. 2026

Diana Arterian Diana Arterian is the author of the recent poetry collection Agrippina the Younger (Northwestern UP, 2025), which received the 2026 William Carlos Williams Award from the Poetry Society of America. — Literary Hub, 12 Nov. 2026

This guy who’s got poetry in his soul, just surrounded by darkness and just trying to let that light shine. — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 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