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 New exhibits will arrive at Mercer Labs in May, June and July, including one that focuses on poetry. Christopher Kuo, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 However, Barinholtz excelled in the Double Jeopardy round, answering multiple $2,000 questions correctly and demonstrating his knowledge about poetry, art, sports, and television. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2024 Waldman even seems to revive an old agrarian connection between working and writing, between a line drawn by a plow and a line of poetry. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2024 For example, writing poetry can provide a structured outlet for processing complex emotions, while painting or drawing can offer a more visual representation of feelings. Mark Travers, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of Good Morning America, Brolin, 56, addressed the rumors that stemmed from his poetry about his costar, 28, in the new Dune book, Dune: Exposures. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024 Pankaj Udhas, the Indian singer renowned as an exponent of the ghazal form of musical poetry, died in Mumbai after a prolonged illness. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Feb. 2024 Even before the siblings decided to pursue separate projects behind the camera, Ethan had a vibrant creative life outside of the partnership, having written plays, poetry, and a collection of short stories. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024 Brandt’s debut hasn’t quite the Bard’s poetry, but the plaintive conscience is present and correct. Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Feb. 2024

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

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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