poet laureate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Historical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “poet laureate” mean?
A poet officially appointed by a government or institution, traditionally expected to compose poems for special occasions and events.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A poet officially appointed by a government or institution, traditionally expected to compose poems for special occasions and events.
A poet who holds a position of high honor and recognition within a literary tradition; sometimes used figuratively to describe the most celebrated or representative poet of a particular group, nation, or era.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The UK has a longstanding, official 'Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom' appointed by the monarch. The US has an official 'Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress'. Both are high-profile national roles.
Connotations
In the UK, the role carries strong historical and ceremonial connotations, dating back to the 17th century. In the US, the role is more modern (20th century) and is often associated with promoting public engagement with poetry.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK media due to the older tradition and royal ceremonies, but common in both cultures in literary and news contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “poet laureate” in a Sentence
[Person] was appointed poet laureate of [Place]The poet laureate, [Name], wrote a poem for [Event]She served as the nation's poet laureate for [Number] years.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “poet laureate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The poet laureate position comes with a small stipend.
- Her poet-laureate duties included composing an ode for the Jubilee.
American English
- The poet laureate program is funded by an endowment.
- He gave a poet-laureate lecture series at the library.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, history, and cultural studies to discuss official patronage of the arts.
Everyday
Used in news reports about the appointment of a new laureate or poems written for state occasions.
Technical
Used in specific arts administration and heritage contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “poet laureate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “poet laureate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “poet laureate”
- Using 'poet laureate' to mean any award-winning poet (it's a specific title).
- Incorrect plural: 'poet laureates' is common but 'poets laureate' is traditionally more correct.
- Misspelling 'laureate' as 'laurette' or 'lauraite'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The process varies by country. In the UK, the monarch appoints on the advice of the government. In the US, the Librarian of Congress appoints the Poet Laureate Consultant based on recommendations.
Typically not. Tenures are often for a fixed term (e.g., 10 years in the UK historically, now often shorter; 1-2 years in the US, renewable). Some positions, like that of a city poet laureate, may have 1-4 year terms.
Usually, the position includes a modest annual stipend or honorarium (like the famous 'butt of sack' wine in the UK's historical tradition), not a full salary. The main reward is the prestige and platform.
Yes, it is an offer that can be declined. Some poets have refused due to the political associations of the role or a desire to avoid the public duties involved.
A poet officially appointed by a government or institution, traditionally expected to compose poems for special occasions and events.
Poet laureate is usually formal, literary, historical, journalistic in register.
Poet laureate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpəʊɪt ˈlɒriət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpoʊət ˈlɔːriət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “wear the laurel wreath (figurative, related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'laureate' as related to the 'laurel wreath' crown of victory and honor in ancient Greece. A poet laureate is a poet crowned with honor.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE POET IS A CROWNED OFFICIAL; POETRY IS A PUBLIC SERVICE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of a poet laureate?