Meaning & use
definition poems
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Meaning
nounplural
Poems written to explain or define a word, idea, or term, often as a classroom exercise.
Grammar: Usually plural; use the singular 'definition poem' for one poem.
Patterns
- write definition poems
- a definition poem about something
- definition poems for a topic
In English class, we wrote definition poems to explore the meaning of 'home'.
The teacher asked for definition poems that show, not tell, what courage means.
Her definition poems use simple images to explain difficult feelings.
Word forms
| singular | definition poem |
|---|
Common combinations
- write definition poems
- Students write definition poems to practice imagery.
- a definition poem about
- He wrote a definition poem about friendship.
- read definition poems aloud
- We read our definition poems aloud in groups.
- definition poems for children
- The book collects definition poems for children.
Synonyms and how they differ
- concrete poem
- A concrete poem uses the shape or layout of words to show meaning; a definition poem focuses on explaining a term.
- acrostic
- An acrostic spells a word down the first letters, while a definition poem describes what the word means.
Word family
- definition noun
- A statement that explains the meaning of a word or idea.
- poem noun
- A piece of writing in verse, often with rhythm or imagery.
- poet noun
- A person who writes poems.
Commonly confused: definition poems or definition?
definition poems vs definition
A definition is a statement of meaning; a definition poem is a poem that gives that meaning in a creative way.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'definition poems' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The class wrote definition poems about abstract nouns' uses the phrase as a plural noun object. The other options wrongly treat it as a verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “definition poems”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.