poetic

American  

[poh-et-ik] / poʊˈɛt ɪk /

adjective

1. possessing the qualities or charm of poetry.

   poetic descriptions of nature.

2. of or relating to a poet or poets.

3. characteristic of or befitting a poet.

   poetic feeling; poetic insight.

4. endowed with the faculty or feeling of a poet.

   a poetic eulogist.

5. having or showing the sensibility of a poet.

   a poetic lover.

6. of or relating to poetry.

   poetic literature.

7. of the nature of or resembling poetry.

   a poetic composition; poetic drama; poetic imagination.

8. celebrated in poetry, as a place.

9. providing a subject for poetry.

10. of or relating to literature in verse form.

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noun

1. poetics.

poetic British  

/ pəʊˈɛtɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to poetry

2. characteristic of poetry, as in being elevated, sublime, etc

3. characteristic of a poet

4. recounted in verse

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Other Word Forms

• antipoetical
  adjective
• nonpoetic
  adjective
• prepoetic
  adjective
• prepoetical
  adjective
• pseudopoetic
  adjective
• pseudopoetical
  adjective
• quasi-poetic
  adjective
• quasi-poetical
  adjective
• unpoetic
  adjective
• unpoetical
  adjective
• antipoetically
  adverb
• poetically
  adverb
• quasi-poetically
  adverb
• unpoetically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of poetic

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin poēticus, from Greek poiētikós; equivalent to poet + -ic

Explanation

Anything poetic either relates to the art of poetry or has the romantic images of poetry. A great speech can be poetic. An orange-red sunset at the beach can also be poetic. The word poetic comes from the Greek poietikos for "pertaining to poetry." A poetic drama is one written in verse. Anything romantic or lyrical is also poetic. A painter’s use of colors could be poetic. Poetic justice happens when you set a trap to catch a rabbit but get caught in it yourself. If you get carried away with a metaphor, you use poetic license. Don’t try to drive with it! Poetic language doesn’t get you out of any tickets.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

poetic

The book’s title is a poetic reference to the crescent-shaped red blood cells that characterize the disease.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026

I missed the rhythms of Shakespeare’s music, though the most compelling poetic imagery in the adaptation is from the original.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026

It "bowls you over: it's real life written in a poetic way," user @thayslaaaa commented.

From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026

The renewed interest in Parton’s books since her death could be seen as poetic, because she was a fierce advocate for literacy.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 28, 2026

The poetic heart is not to be trusted with long-term decision-making.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon