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

Drake announced For All the Dogs back in June with the release of his poetry book, Titles Ruin Everything. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 16 Sep. 2023

Over the years that followed, the couple carved out their own space within the L.A. art community by creating digital prints, then screen printing, writing poetry and creating murals. —Selene Rivera, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023

Not the little green men of science fiction, but the alien minds that power the facial recognition in your smartphone, determine your creditworthiness and write poetry and computer code. —Mark Bailey, The Conversation, 13 Sep. 2023

Wilson’s ambitious project of the past decade has been to re-democratize both the poetry and its audience. —Judith Thurman, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023

Or lighting a candle while reading some poetry that accompanies a possible new album? —Vulture, 7 Sep. 2023

Books of poetry given to her by her mother provided Sinclair an escape and ultimately served as inspiration for communicating her own perceptions of the world. —The Editors, Town & Country, 6 Sep. 2023

That’s why reading fiction and poetry is so important. —Amy Sutherland, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Sep. 2023

Update September 6, 2023: The album component of Drake’s perfect cozy evening (Drake’s whiskey + Drake’s poetry + Drake’s album) finally has a release date. —Vulture, 7 Sep. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing poetry

• poetry in motion
• poetry reading
• concrete poetry

• poetry in motion
• poetry reading
• concrete poetry

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