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

• bard
• minstrel
• muse
• poetaster
• rhymester
• rimester
• versifier

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

Special awards will go to Pico Iyer, Emily Witt and poet Amanda Gorman. —Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025

The semi-fictitious play, set during the Harlem Renaissance, sees educator and historian W.E.B. Du Bois play matchmaker for his daughter Yolande and esteemed poet Countee Cullen. —Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025

The 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival, which is founded and operated by Saudi cinephile and poet Ahmed Almulla, will run April 17-23 in the Eastern Province city of Dhahran. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025

Sacramento poet Andru Defeye was honored for his long-standing work in the literary arts at a gathering hosted Monday by Sacramento’s office of arts and culture, showing the city’s gratitude for his influence on its poetry community. —Marcus D. Smith, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2025

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