poetry

noun

po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē How to pronounce poetry (audio)
-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

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
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.
Barnes’ work won them the best poet in the nation award in 2011 and several other honors over the course of their poetry career. Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Dec. 2024 In Iran and many Central Asian countries, people gather to eat (especially red fruits like pomegranates and watermelons), drink and read poetry through the night. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 Dec. 2024 David Groff, Lambda Literary Award-winning writer and educator, recently released his third collection of poetry, Live in Suspense[Trio House Press] . Court Stroud, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 Gold coins represent future prosperity, lots of fruit, a reminder of a joyous and fruitful life together, spices for the spice of life, flowers symbolizing beauty, and a book of poetry, from which the official will often read. Iman Hariri-Kia, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for poetry 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of poetry was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near poetry

Cite this Entry

“Poetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poetry. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

poetry

noun
po·​et·​ry ˈpō-ə-trē How to pronounce poetry (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on poetry

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