poet

¹

[ poh-it ]

noun

1. a person who composes poetry.

   Synonyms: versifier, bard

2. a person who has the gift of poetic thought, imagination, and creation, together with eloquence of expression.

poet.

²

abbreviation for

1. poetic.
2. poetical.
3. poetry.

poet

/ ˈpəʊɪt /

noun

1. a person who writes poetry
2. a person with great imagination and creativity

Other Words From

• poet·less adjective
• poet·like adjective
• non·poet noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of poet¹

1250–1300; Middle English poete < Latin poēta < Greek poiētḗs poet, literally, maker, equivalent to poiē-, variant stem of poieîn to make + -tēs agent noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of poet¹

C13: from Latin poēta, from Greek poiētēs maker, poet, from poiein to make

Example Sentences

Kenny was also an acclaimed singer, poet, and solo stand-up performer.

From BBC

Another session revolved around a documentary video, “Ark of Bones,” by the poet Harmony Holiday, that looks at the way Black culture is being co-opted by pop culture, business and government.

From Los Angeles Times

During the war, our group of over 80 artists, poets, musicians and puppeteers has given more than 4,500 concerts on the front lines.

From Los Angeles Times

Indeed, Jefferson deemed the African-American poet Phillis Wheatley’s work “beneath the dignity of criticism” and asserted that Black astronomer Benjamin Banneker possessed only “a mind of very common stature.”

From Salon

As I think about the 2024 election, I keep hearing the lyrics of Irish poet Thomas Moore’s song “The Minstrel Boy”:

From Salon

Related Words

• artist
• author
• dramatist
• lyricist
• writer