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

For the poet and filmmaker Asia Johnson, who was selected for the 2019 class of fellows shortly after coming home at age 32 from nine years in prison, the recognition changed the trajectory of her life. —Hilarie M. Sheets, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

The secondhand market reflects some of Ireland’s cultural inflection points: An allegiance to sport with racks of vintage O’Neills in every color to inspire your inner Connell, romantic skirts and bold costume jewelry that speak to the poets and writers that have made the island famous. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025

Giroux later described O’Connor’s circumstances to Robert Lowell, her friend and mentor, who recorded his secondhand account in a letter to the poet Elizabeth Bishop. —Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025

Raven Jackson, Writer/Director Raven Jackson is an award-winning filmmaker, poet and photographer from Tennessee. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 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