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

There are already 150 events scheduled for 2026 that are free and open to the public, including painting classes, dog training, outdoor movie nights, musical performances, poetry nights and more. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

Their banter, dotted with frequent arguments, is a kind of ping-pong poetry. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Dec. 2025

The endeavor has been taken to heart by the interior design world, which — since the COVID-19 pandemic — has been on a mission to create relaxing atmospheres that usher the poetry of the outdoors back into the home. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 11 Dec. 2025

In one swoop, Atropia satirizes the military, the media and Hollywood, and while the film has comedy at its core, there’s a pain and a poetry behind the absurdity. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 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