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

Many write poetry, go on dates, don’t need help to use a toilet. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025

In high school, my writing expanded to poetry, screenwriting and creative nonfiction. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025

The show’s title—partly inspired by Elizabeth Alexander’s poetry collection of the same name—crystallizes that intention. —Juliana Ukiomogbe, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025

Wesley Viner, associate curator at the museum, told Fox News Digital the letter is part of an ongoing correspondence about the nature of poetry, knowledge and Christianity. —Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 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