ˈpōə̇.trē, -ri, also -ə̇t.r-, in rapid speech sometimes ˈpȯi.t- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English poetrie, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin poetria, from Latin, poetess, from Greek poiētria, from poiētēs poet — more at poet
1.
a. : metrical writing : verse
turns out 20 lines of poetry each day for the paper
b. : the productions of a poet : poems
a collection of 16th century poetry
picked up a volume of poetry
c. poetries plural : pieces of poetry
2. : writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through its meaning, sound, and rhythm
3.
a. : a quality that stirs the imagination or gives a sense of heightened and more meaningful existence
the poetry with which an American train is surrounded — Henri Peyre
what are ceremonies but the manners and poetry of the state — New York Times Book Review
b. : a quality of spontaneity and grace
her dancing is pure poetry
has the technique and power of a great pianist, but his playing lacks poetry