poetry noun [U]. B1 ​poems in ​general as a ​form of ​literature: ​contemporary poetry and ​prose She ​started writing poetry at a ​young ​age. › a very ​beautiful or ​emotional ​quality: This ​film has a ​savage poetry and ​brilliance. More examples. 1  There is a ​ spiritual ​ dimension to her poetry.