poetry

noun

po·et·ry | \ ˈpō-ə-trē,

-i-trē also ˈpȯ(-)i-trē\

Definition of poetry

1a : 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

3a : something likened to poetry especially in beauty of expression

b : poetic quality or aspect the poetry of dance

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about poetry

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Synonyms & Antonyms for poetry

Synonyms

minstrelsy, poesy, song, verse

Antonyms

prose

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

SUNDAY Regie Gibson reads poetry at 3 p.m. at New England Poetry Club, Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters,105 Brattle St., Cambridge. — BostonGlobe.com, "Greater Boston author readings July 1-7," 29 June 2018 This list is a mix of short story collections, novels, a book of essays, and a collection of poetry, any and all of which would be welcome additions to your bookshelf. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, "10 Books by Southern Writers We Bet You Haven’t Read Yet," 29 June 2018 Not just because the audience was uncertain whether, at any moment, Mr Griffiths (pictured) might hurl a book or jump off the stage or produce a drum to beat out the rhythm of a line of poetry. — The Economist, "Capturing the voice of a brilliant, unorthodox teacher of literature," 28 June 2018 Instead of having her tend to his sister, Richardson had 18-year-old Alcott do housekeeping and spend evenings listening to him reading romantic poetry. — Washington Post, "‘Little Women’ and author Alcott resonate 150 years later," 12 June 2018 This is the Robert Kennedy who began reading poetry after his brother’s 1963 assassination and often wove poetic messages into his campaign speeches. — Alice George, Smithsonian, "On the Eve of his Death, Robert Kennedy Was a Whirlwind of Empathy and Internal Strife," 7 June 2018 Anyone can sign up to read poetry, their own or others. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Windsor Edition," 29 May 2018 Hughes came to town, read poetry, and charmed many Chapel Hill residents, simultaneously earning the ire of industrial and political leaders across the state. — Longreads, "Nell Battle Lewis, Storyteller for Jim Crow," 25 May 2018 Chichikov does business with a frightened widow; a miserly hoarder who picks through his own serfs’ garbage; a violent, egotistic gambling addict; a kissy young couple who read English Romantic poetry while their estate goes to ruin. — Julian Lucas, New York Times, "The Russian Comic Writer Who’s an Antidote to Mad Times," 2 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'poetry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.