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

The Songs of the Jabberwock – as the book is called when seen in reflection – includes one of the most famous nonsense poems of all time. —Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Universal Pictures shared on X that Nolan's project would tell the story of Homer's ancient Greek poem, The Odyssey. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

Following the critical and commercial success of Oppenheimer, Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan is set to adapt Homer's epic poem The Odyssey into a feature film. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Director Christopher Nolan's next movie has officially been revealed as The Odyssey, an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek poem about Odysseus' long journey home after the Trojan War. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 24 Dec. 2024

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