poet

noun

po·​et ˈpō-ət 

-it

also ˈpȯ(-)it

1

: one who writes poetry : a maker of verses

2

: one (such as a creative artist) of great imaginative and expressive capabilities and special sensitivity to the medium

Synonyms of poet

• minstrel
• muse
• bard

Examples of poet in a Sentence

Emily Dickinson is famous as the poet who rarely left the house but often journeyed to the depths of the human heart.

Recent Examples on the Web

The oversized teddy bear of a man with the languid baritone, who speaks with the eloquence of a poet, the encouragement of a coach, and the comfort of a minister, came up in the legendary Night Hawk in the 1970s. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026

The book’s invention, often considered the greatest literary story ever told, dates to a vacation that Shelley took with her lover, poet Percy Shelley. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Menken, a firebrand actor and poet, is perhaps best remembered for her performance as the traditionally male lead in the Byronic hippodrama Mazeppa. —Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 18 Mar. 2026

Kennard is an award-winning poet and novelist. —Literary Hub, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French poete, from Latin poeta, from Greek poiētēs maker, poet, from poiein to make; akin to Sanskrit cinoti he gathers, heaps up

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing poet

• poet laureate

Kids Definition

poet

noun

po·​et ˈpō-ət 

-it

: a person who writes poetry