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

• lyric
• rune
• song
• verse

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

Based on the ancient Greek epic poem from Homer, The Odyssey follows Odysseus, a man on a mission to return home to his family after fighting in the Trojan War. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025

An epic poem from Homer, the original literary classic explored themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning and the struggle against divine will, featuring stories like Odysseus’ encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and the witch-goddess Circe, culminating in a reunion with his wife Penelope. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025

Homer’s epic poem tells of Odysseus’ perilous 10-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. —Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025

Matt Damon is set to star as Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca and titular hero of Homer's epic poem. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 17 Feb. 2025

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

Kids Definition

poem

noun

po·​em ˈpō-əm  -im 

ˈpōm,

 also  ˈpō-ˌem

: a composition in verse