poetry

noun

po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē How to pronounce poetry (audio)
-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

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 Though his teachers wove music, art and poetry into their lessons, his school did not have a dedicated art program. Shantay Robinson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024 Arts, crafts and stories at the Milwaukee Public Library Milwaukee Public Library locations will have programming throughout spring break, including events focused on robots, anime, poetry and board games. Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 There’s a meditative gallery of poetry during our visit where visitors are encouraged to unleash creativity. Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Mar. 2024 What was the cost to the patient when photographs were taken, poetry written, song cycles composed, magazine essays published? Seyward Darby, Longreads, 13 Mar. 2024 Nonetheless, the terms originated in Japanese aesthetics: sabi out of poetry and wabi out of tea. Paul S. Atkins, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2024 In places where protests and outright political challenges to the regime are not tolerated, dissent can find voice through music, poetry, art, fiction, television, and the writing of history. Suzanne Nossel, Foreign Affairs, 29 Feb. 2024 New exhibits will arrive at Mercer Labs in May, June and July, including one that focuses on poetry. Christopher Kuo, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 However, Barinholtz excelled in the Double Jeopardy round, answering multiple $2,000 questions correctly and demonstrating his knowledge about poetry, art, sports, and television. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poetry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of poetry was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near poetry

Cite this Entry

“Poetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poetry. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

poetry

noun
po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē How to pronounce poetry (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on poetry

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