poetry

noun

ˈpō-ə-trē How to pronounce poetry (audio)
Definition of poetrynext
1
as in song
writing that uses rhythm, vivid language, and often rhyme to provoke an emotional response not all poetry has to rhyme

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2
as in rhetoric
the art or power of speaking or writing in a forceful and convincing way the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King were filled with the kind of poetry that touches people of all races

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of poetry Today, under the direction of his daughter Sheila Loewe, the organization continues to promote creativity and educational programs, as well as protect cultural heritage in the fields of craft, art, design, photography, poetry and dance. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 Her distinctive essays, prose and poetry, in which the ancient and modern live side-by-side, have garnered her critical acclaim. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 My craft choices here around the music of the sentence and its visual presentation as a solitary line originate from my work in poetry. — Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026 Emceed by Amaranta Mattie —the Miami-born and raised Deering Contemporary curator— participants can contribute poetry, music, storytelling or dance, with each given up to five minutes. — Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for poetry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poetry
  1. song
  2. rhetoric
  3. verse
  4. rhyme
  5. poesy
Noun
  • Composer Ghulam Mohammed died in 1968 after writing the songs, leaving Naushad to complete the background score.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The song makes clear that while Jake Shane might not be this generation’s Truman Capote, Troye Sivan certainly isn’t either.
    — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • The political right has been targeting Indian Americans for more than a year, with racist rhetoric deployed against the H1-B visa program, Sikh truck drivers and Hindu temples and festivals.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Tweets about Cunningham, thinkpieces, and rebuttals have all swirled into an endless mass of controversy — one dominated by derogatory rhetoric, threats, and anti-trans memes.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of rhetoric
Noun
  • Nuanced, resonant verse paints a clear-eyed, profoundly loving portrait of a teen navigating the complexities of growing up.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Pairing you and Kathryn Newton in the potential Landon-verse crossover of Freaky Death Day makes so much sense from an actor and character standpoint.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of verse
Noun
  • The rhyme scheme is typically abcb, which means the second and fourth lines end in the same rhyme (b).
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Straight women queuing for Heated Rivalry and Heartstopper have a rhyme with any human queuing for the Court of Thorns and Roses series, simply given all those werewolves.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of rhyme
Noun
  • The collection evolved from there into Monica’s distinctive twist on some of her favorite antique and vintage pieces—charms, poesy rings and celestial motifs.
    — Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2022
  • Around my neck is my poesy ring 'adventure' necklace, with a locket holding my secret messages.
    — Will Kahn, Town & Country, 8 Mar. 2019
Definition of poesy

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poetries
poetry
poets
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Cite this Entry

“Poetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poetry. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on poetry

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poetry

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