Poetry: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to the art form or literary genre that includes poems. Describes a collection or the overall craft.

• She always loved reading poetry in her free time
• His passion for poetry was evident in his personal library filled with collections of his favorite poets

Can refer to a single line of a poem, or collectively to poetry in a more formal or structured sense. Often used in the context of lyrical or classical forms.

• She memorized every verse of the poem for her school recital
• The poet's verse was admired for its emotional depth and precise form

Refers to a single piece of writing in the literary genre of poetry. A specific, standalone work.

• He wrote a beautiful poem for his mother's birthday
• The poem she recited brought tears to everyone's eyes

Refers to a word, phrase, or line that has a sound that corresponds to another. Often used in poetry for musical effect.

• Children often learn to read with simple rhyme books
• The lines of the poem had a perfect rhyme, making it pleasant to the ear

Used to describe the overall genre or art of written or spoken works that express emotions, ideas, or stories in a rhythmic and often metaphorical way.

• Emily Dickinson is one of the most influential figures in American poetry
• She published many collections of poetry during her lifetime

Can refer to a single line or a group of lines within a poem or song. It can also denote sections of sacred texts.

• Each verse of the poem adds a new layer of meaning
• The first verse of this song is particularly catchy

Refers to an individual work that falls under the genre of poetry; a piece of writing that is usually shorter and focused, often involving rhythm and metaphors.

• She wrote a poem for her mother’s birthday
• The poem captures the essence of their friendship perfectly

Typically used to describe the words of a song, or a type of poetry that expresses personal emotions, often in a musical way.

• The lyric of that new song is incredibly touching
• She writes beautiful lyric poetry that often explores themes of love and loss

General term for literary work written in verse, intended to evoke emotions, often using meter and rhyme. Can refer to a collection or overall art of creating poems.

• She found solace in reading poetry every evening.
• The festival is a celebration of poetry from all around the world.

Refers to a single line or group of lines in a poem, or any writing that has a rhythmic structure. Can also mean a specific part of a song or a chapter in the Bible.

• He recited the first verse of the famous poem.
• The song's verse is more mellow compared to its chorus.

An individual piece of literary work written in verse, often with a specific structure and intended to convey emotions or tell a story.

• She wrote a beautiful poem about the changing seasons.
• The poem was published in the school magazine.

Refers to a type of poetry that expresses personal emotions or thoughts, often in the form of a song. Lyrics can also mean the words to a song.

• His lyrics are known for their deep emotional impact.
• She spent the afternoon writing lyrics for her new song.