poetry

noun

POH-uh-tree/ˈpoʊətɹi/UKPOH-i-tree/ˈpəʊɪtɹi/

3 meanings of poetry

1
noununcountable
Literature written in verse, or language that pays close, deliberate attention to rhythm and sound patterns.
He published a collection of poetry exploring grief and memory.
Modern poetry often abandons strict rhyme in favor of free verse.
Similarverse
Oppositeprose
2
nounfigurativelyuncountable
An artistic quality in any medium that appeals to or stirs the emotions; also something that possesses that quality.
Critics praised the poetry of his brushwork and his bold use of color.
There is a strange poetry in the rhythm of city traffic late at night.
Similarlyricism, beauty, artistry, grace, elegance
3
noununcountable
The collected body of verse that a particular poet has written.
Neruda's poetry ranges from tender love sonnets to fierce political verse.
Much of Keats's poetry was written during the final years of his short life.
Similarverse, poems
Oppositeprose

Practice

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Origin

Poetry comes from Middle English 'poetrye', borrowed from Old French 'pöetrie', from Medieval Latin 'poētria', from 'poēta' ('poet'), which goes back to Ancient Greek 'poiētḗs' ('poet, author, maker'). It replaced the native Old English 'lēoþcræft'.