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

Karla Cordero is a Chicana storyteller, educator and author of the poetry collection, How to Pull Apart the Earth, winner of the San Diego Book Award and an International Latino Book Award finalist. —Yesika Salgado, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

With her own background in academia and her deep love of poetry, Deadwyler’s intimacy with the role is immediate and winning. —David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2026

Directed by Miki Takahiro and based on the novel by Ichijo Misaki, the film stars Michieda Shunsuke and Nukumi Meru as two musicians whose bond is forged through music and poetry over many years. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026

Discover notable new fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 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