any communication resembling poetry in beauty or the evocation of feeling
"The simple letter he wrote her, filled with vivid metaphors and deep longing, was pure poetry even without a single rhyme."
Literature composed in verse or language exhibiting conscious attention to patterns and rhythm.
"The student spent hours analyzing how the poet used alliteration to create a musical rhythm within the verses of her latest poetry collection."
In plain English: Poetry is writing that uses special rhythm and word choices to express feelings in a creative way.
"She loves reading poetry at bedtime to help her fall asleep."
Usage: Poetry refers to literary works written in verses that emphasize rhythm, sound, and figurative language rather than plain prose. Use this term when discussing poems found in books, magazines, or performed orally, regardless of whether they follow strict rhyme schemes.
The word poetry entered Middle English from the Old French term pöeterie, which ultimately traces back to the Ancient Greek words for "maker" or "author." It replaced an earlier native English phrase, lēoþcræft, meaning the craft of making songs.