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

Cuts are even more visible in his poetry than in his fiction, more necessary to it. — Amitava Kumar, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026

Le Guin’s prose and poetry mourn the dead forest and other living Earth beings while exulting at the mountain’s power. — Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

One of them is Electric Piquete, the veteran Miami band full of Latin jazz-funk grooves and poetry. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

Each volume is accompanied by black-and-white illustrations, poetry and new cover artwork. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 18 Aug. 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