poem

noun

po·​em ˈpō-əm How to pronounce poem (audio)
-im,
ˈpōm,
 also  ˈpȯ(-)im,
ˈpō-ˌem How to pronounce poem (audio)
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 poemH. J. Laski

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These poems engage directly with memory, as well as both language and the act of making. Literary Hub, 30 June 2025 The recording used in the film is nearly as old as the poem itself, voiced in 1915 by actor Taylor Holmes. Jem Aswad, Variety, 20 June 2025 The film also becomes a wistful poem about life and aging, one that observes the injustice of old age with humor and kindness. Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 From activist Raquel Willis’ opening remarks to poems recited in honor of the late literary giant Nikki Giovanni, along with talks from leading voices such as Professor Imani Perry and Kiese Laymon, to cultural critic Roxanne Gay, the festival was filled with insight, reverence and celebration. Essence, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for poem

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of poem was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poem. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

poem

noun
po·​em ˈpō-əm How to pronounce poem (audio) -im How to pronounce poem (audio)
ˈpōm,
 also  ˈpō-ˌem
: a composition in verse

More from Merriam-Webster on poem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!