1. a female poet
Usage: dated; sometimes considered outdated in favor of ‘poet’

Examples

• Emily Dickinson was a renowned American poetess of the 19th century.
• The poetess read her latest work at the literary festival.
• Many prefer to use ‘poet’ for writers of both genders rather than ‘poetess’.
• The anthology featured works by several notable poetesses from the Romantic period.
• She was recognized as the finest poetess of her generation.