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

Is Sister Paxton feeling a hollowness in the poetry of her faith here? —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

With spot-on comedic timing on both players’ parts, Hernandez’s boisterous interruptions paired well with Wickline’s soft-spoken poetry. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2024

This is the art of a Zen master or masterful art, the poetry of a mystic, or the grace of a selfless act of leadership. —Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

This Issue November 21, 2024 Fintan O’Toole The Protection Racket Coco Fusco The Crime of Human Movement Elaine Blair Toward a New Realism All Contents John Kinsella John Kinsella’s recent collections of poetry include unHistory, coauthored with Kwame Dawes, and The Pastoraclasm. —John Kinsella, The New York Review of Books, 31 Oct. 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