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 of poetry

• 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

The original organization was created after the 1994 Men’s World Cup to allow kids to play in soccer teams for free while also developing literacy skills by writing poetry. — Delia Rose Sauer, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026

Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three who loved to sing and write poetry, was shot and killed by ICE in Minneapolis in January. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

The name, Calliope, nods to the Greek muse of epic poetry, who, like Moroney, was said to be a vulnerable storyteller. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 July 2026

These educational crises—combined with evolutions in technology and culture—have rendered the experience of reading fiction, let alone poetry, a dispensable element of human life. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026

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