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

In this episode, Mitzi talks to Philip Schultz about his new poetry collection, Enormous Morning. —Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026

After the Oscars, the filmmakers hope that viewers will be inspired by Gibson and Falley’s love story, and seek out their poetry. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026

The city is also considering reviving the poet laureate initiative, and staff have talked about doing a youth poetry slam, Mullins said. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

While Washington debates deepfakes and Silicon Valley obsesses over LLMs that write poetry, the global economy is hitting a physical wall. —Vivek Ranadive, Fortune, 14 Mar. 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