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

Hysteria and another project called Dying Inside based on the poetry of Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz due out September 24, are the first manifestations of the company’s strategy to crosspollinate music and comics. —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Sometimes, one of us will come in with a song quite finished and sometimes just a bit of poetry and a riff come together. —Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 5 Sep. 2024

There’s a lightness to much of Heaney’s late poetry. —Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024

Given to repetition and abstraction, Piñeiro’s film brings desire and myth to vivid life, reflecting the fragmented nature of what remains of Sappho’s poetry. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Aug. 2024

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