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 of poetry

• song
• verse
• rhyme
• poesy

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

For leading protests and spreading anti-Soviet rhetoric and poetry, he was institutionalized. —Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026

To be sure, a full accounting of the American Renaissance would include Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson, two writers who were more distant from Emerson and his circle (though Dickinson did admire his poetry). —Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026

Emily Lawrence showcases her collection of first-edition William Carlos Williams poetry. —Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

Channing Tatum is apparently nursing his heart with poetry and astrology amid news his ex-fiancée Zoë Kravitz is engaged. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026

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