concrete poetry

noun

: poetry in which the poet's intent is conveyed by the graphic patterns of letters, words, or symbols rather than by the conventional arrangement of words

Examples of concrete poetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the centuries since The Temple’s publication, writers as varied as Lewis Carroll and E.E. Cummings have used this same technique—now known more commonly as concrete poetry—to add visual elements to their poems and show that there is more than one way to use words to make meaning. —V.m. Braganza, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023

In the 1970s, Melchert’s work began to move in a more conceptual direction, influenced by concrete poetry and the work of composer John Cage. —Sharon Mizota, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2023

Photographs, videos, sculptures, concrete poetry, all mediums mark out this rich and playful exhibition that invites the viewer to explore his relationship to the word. —Rica Cerbarano, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2023

The workshop, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., will lead attendees in writing their own concrete poetry — poetry that imitates the shape of its subject — by discussing famous examples, walking outside, and writing in nature. —BostonGlobe.com, 30 Dec. 2022

There will also be concrete poetry by Nicole Arocho Hernandez, soundscapes by Hayden Casey and poetry/photo collage by Avery Meinen. —Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 3 Sep. 2021

Drawn with feathered lines and in coded colors, the words are individual images that collectively form a chantlike piece of concrete poetry. —New York Times, 26 Feb. 2020

We are left with only the tensions of concrete poetry. —Teju Cole, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2018

Douglas Kearney Kearney’s dynamic concrete poetry looks great on paper, but the writer is equally well known for his stage presence. —Zoie Matthew, Los Angeles Magazine, 18 Jan. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above