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

Coal miners have a long tradition creating poetry and music related to their job, settlement officials said. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025

Here’s a special selection of fantastic novels from Kenyan authors representing fresh perspectives on the human condition across poetry, fiction and nonfiction. —Wanjeri Gakuru july 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025

Behind the reading of old documents, the memorizing of poetry, and the charting of constitutional processes, is the purpose and goal of appreciating and applying this love of America to our lives from an early age. —Linda McMahon, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025

And so maybe the – the poetry, but also the vagueness of the words have opened a door that have – have – have allowed women to come through, that have allowed enslaved people to have citizenship, that have expanded in so many different ways. —CBS News, 6 July 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