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

Political leader Simón Bolivar and poets Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral are among the other people depicted in the mural. —Laura Fay, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

But what DJs like Alejandra, musicians like Rob, and poets like Renee were doing was extraordinary—and all at great personal risk. —Daniel Brook, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

My father had been an author, poet, newspaper columnist, and entrepreneur. —Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026

Ramos, a 21-year-old journalist and poet, and wife Cerrotta, a 27-year-old psychologist, were kidnapped by Argentine military forces in the months following the 1976 coup that ushered in a bloody dictatorship. —Débora Rey, Los Angeles Times, 24 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