poetry

noun

po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē 

-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

Synonyms

• minstrelsy
• poesy
• song
• verse

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

The suspect had shared some disturbing, graphic poetry to his Facebook profile in September and May 2024. —Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025

She was simply drawn to the poetry of the group’s work. —Brian Schaefer, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025

Black artists developed poetry, novels, music, and fine art that challenged the dominant culture and solidified a space for Black people in American artistic production. —Shantay Robinson, ARTnews.com, 24 Feb. 2025

All the while, the newshound indulged in her secret pleasure of writing poetry in her off time as an outlet for her homesickness and stress relief. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing poetry

• concrete poetry
• poetry in motion
• poetry reading

Kids Definition

poetry

noun

po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē 

-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