poet laureate

American  

noun

plural

poets laureate

1. (in Great Britain) a poet appointed for life as an officer of the royal household, formerly expected to write poems in celebration of court and national events.

2. a poet recognized or acclaimed as the most eminent or representative of a country or locality.

3. (formerly) a poet whose efforts were officially recognized, as by a sovereign, university, etc.

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poet laureate British  

noun

1. the poet appointed as court poet of Britain who is given a post as an officer of the Royal Household. The first was Ben Jonson in 1616

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poet laureate Cultural  

1. The national poet in Britain. Historically, the poet laureate's duty has been to compose official poetry for the king's or queen's birthday and for great public occasions, such as victories in war, coronations, and births and weddings in the royal family. The poets laureate of Britain have included Geoffrey Chaucer, William Wordsworth, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

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The largely ceremonial position of poet laureate was created in the United States in 1985.

Etymology

Origin of poet laureate

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Poet laureate: Ada Limón, a California native, has been named the next poet laureate of the United States.

From New York Times • Jul. 13, 2022

Poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy said the decision was "extremely sad news".

From The Guardian • May 24, 2013

Poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy has described him as "poetry's true son" and "a great, generous, gentle genius".

From The Guardian • Jul. 8, 2011

Poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, who chaired the medal's judging panel, described her as "part of the literary landscape of this country".

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2010