# poem

/ˈpoʊəm/ (US) · /pˈəʊɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/poem
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. literary verse

noun · CEFR A2

a piece of writing, often with short lines and rhythm, that expresses feelings or ideas.

For teachers: a literary work in metrical form or verse, often employing rhyme and rhythmic patterns to convey emotional or aesthetic meaning.

- The teacher asked the students to write a short poem about their favorite season.
- The anthology features a diverse collection of poems, ranging from traditional sonnets to contemporary free verse that challenges classical structures.

### 2. something beautiful or artistic

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

something that is very beautiful, graceful, or well-made, like a piece of art.

For teachers: an object, scene, or experience possessing a beauty or grace suggestive of poetry.

- The way the light hit the mountains was a poem of colors.
- The architect's latest bridge is a poem in steel and glass, balancing industrial strength with an almost weightless aesthetic grace.

## Examples

- She wrote a short poem about the ocean.
- The teacher asked the students to read a poem aloud and explain how it made them feel.
- While some readers prefer the strict structure of a sonnet, others find that free verse allows a poem to capture the chaotic nature of modern life more effectively.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.