poetry

noun

po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē 

-i-trē,

 also  ˈpȯ(-)i-trē

1

a

: metrical writing : verse

b

: the productions of a poet : poems

2

: writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm

3

a

: something likened to poetry especially in beauty of expression

b

: poetic quality or aspect

the poetry of dance

Synonyms

• minstrelsy
• poesy
• song
• verse

Examples of poetry in a Sentence

I read the poem in a collection of modern poetry.

She's published two books of lyric poetry and a novel.

He found it easiest to express himself in the language of poetry.

Her dancing is pure poetry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet another was a request from a fan of classical Chinese poetry to translate several poems and set them to original tunes. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2025

Do the themes in your collages reoccur in your poetry, music or films? —Renée Reizman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025

During his lifetime, O’Hara published five books of poetry and contributed to numerous literary magazines. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Mar. 2025

Share your poetry, essays, songs, life stories, comedy, flash fiction and more. —Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing poetry

• concrete poetry
• poetry in motion
• poetry reading

Kids Definition

poetry

noun

po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē 

-i-trē

1

a

: writing usually with a rhythm that repeats : verse

b

: the productions of a poet : poems

2

: writing chosen and arranged to create a certain emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm