poesy

noun

po·​e·​sy ˈpō-ə-zē How to pronounce poesy (audio)
-sē
plural poesies
1
a
: a poem or body of poems
b
: poetry
c
: artificial or sentimentalized poetic writing
2
: poetic inspiration

Examples of poesy in a Sentence

in olden days young gentlemen were expected to be proficient in the art of poesy
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What makes the collection particularly unique is Kosann’s approach to reinventing classics—like the lockets, charms, and poesy rings that she’s reinterpreted in the past—but also Evert’s unique experience of being so connected to the tennis bracelet. Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2022 Kosann and Mirojnick designed three core styles for the collection: a poesy ring, a charm and a locket. Ej Panaligan, Variety, 15 Nov. 2022 The collection evolved from there into Monica’s distinctive twist on some of her favorite antique and vintage pieces—charms, poesy rings and celestial motifs. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2022 Around my neck is my poesy ring 'adventure' necklace, with a locket holding my secret messages. Will Kahn, Town & Country, 8 Mar. 2019 In the 1700s, simple poesy rings were popular in Europe, while in New England, Puritan men—shunning frivolous rings—were thought to have given thimbles to their betrothed (though women often cut off the tops and wore them as rings anyway). Virginia Van Zanten, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2018 Expect to use up multiple pens on this novel in verse, an elegiac meditation on poesy and religion. Katie Ward Beim-Esche, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Mar. 2018 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of T. S. Eliot’s feline poesy ends its Broadway revival. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poesie, from Middle French, from Latin poesis, from Greek poiēsis, literally, creation, from poiein

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of poesy was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poesy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poesy. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

poesy

noun
po·​esy
ˈpō-ə-zē,
-sē
plural poesies
: poetic form or composition : poetry
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