poem

noun

po·​em ˈpō-əm How to pronounce poem (audio)
-im,
ˈpōm,
 also  ˈpȯ(-)im,
ˈpō-ˌem How to pronounce poem (audio)
1
: a composition in verse
2
: something suggesting a poem (as in expressiveness, lyricism, or formal grace)
the house we stayed in … was itself a poemH. J. Laski

Examples of poem in a Sentence

He wrote a poem about his parents. your assignment is to write two poems about springtime
Recent Examples on the Web The girl takes the tin and the poem’s lyrics are revealed later in subtitles over a simple, haunting piano tune. Hazlitt, 6 Mar. 2024 The script, adapted by Ben Powers from Stefano Massini’s epic poem, unfurls in extravagant stanzas, occasionally taxing the considerable talents of the cast. Sophia Nguyen, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Critical Writing in the Field of English Assignment: Write a three- to five-page paper examining how a poem among a selection provided draws on a specific concept discussed in class. Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 Now displaced three times — from north Gaza, to Khan Younis and now, Rafah — Salma sat down to write a poem about returning to her home. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024 Rosenthal’s translation draws out these poems’ shades of melancholy and whimsy, along with the slant and irregular rhymes that contribute to their uncanny humor. The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 When Grant, 63, appeared at the 2024 BAFTA Awards on Sunday to present the ceremony's award for best director, the Wonka actor shared a wry poem while channeling his Oompa Loompa character. Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024 Selected poems of Miklós Radnóti, which came recommended to me. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024 Eating it can be like rereading a favorite poem, familiar but forever capable of new meaning. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French poeme, from Latin poema, from Greek poiēma, from poiein

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of poem was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near poem

Cite this Entry

“Poem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poem. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

poem

noun
po·​em ˈpō-əm How to pronounce poem (audio) -im How to pronounce poem (audio)
ˈpōm,
 also  ˈpō-ˌem
: a composition in verse

More from Merriam-Webster on poem

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