poem

noun

po·​em ˈpō-əm 

-im, 

ˈpōm

also ˈpȯ(-)im, 

ˈpō-ˌem 

1

: a composition in verse

2

: something suggesting a poem (as in expressiveness, lyricism, or formal grace)

The house we stayed in … was itself a poem.

—H. J. Laski

Synonyms of poem

• verse
• lyric
• song
• sonnet
• poetry

Examples of poem in a Sentence

He wrote a poem about his parents.

your assignment is to write two poems about springtime

Recent Examples on the Web

Tarantino collaborator Avary is the latest to tackle the influential and complex John Milton poem of 1667, which has long posed a challenge for creatives seeking to adapt its story about the fall of man. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

In the wake of Nancy’s murder, Mary discovers evidence of the affair, including a poem that Howard had previously written — with a particular phrase underlined — in the scrapbook that Nancy left behind and a ring belonging to Nancy hidden in Howard’s closet. —Max Gao, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

This is one of the poems that, to my mind, demonstrate the self-translating quality of Yau Ching’s work, its easy fluency with both of Hong Kong’s official languages. —Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026

On April 27, Tatum took to his Instagram Story to post a poem that spoke to him. —Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French poeme, from Latin poema, from Greek poiēma, from poiein

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing poem

• found poem
• heroic poem
• prose poem
• symphonic poem
• tone poem

Rhymes for poem

• jeroboam
• rehoboam

Kids Definition

poem

noun

po·​em ˈpō-əm  -im 

ˈpōm

also ˈpō-ˌem

: a composition in verse