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

People are often exposed to poetry in school and at open mic events, but those aren’t the only avenues, said Sylvia Jones, the associate poetry editor at Black Lawrence Press and an adjunct creative writing lecturer at Goucher College and George Washington University. —Abigail Gruskin, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2024

Make Your Own Poetry Anthology Teaching students to make their own poetry anthologies in the form of a commonplace book gives them insight into the power, and problems, of curation. —JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024

My father wasn't the only one who could turn Puerto Rico's landscapes into poetry. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 June 2024

Expect a show that features music, poetry, dance, and visual media. —Alecia Taylor, Miami Herald, 14 June 2024

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