1. plural of poetess; female poets
Usage: dated; considered outdated; ‘poets’ is now preferred for all genders

Examples

• The anthology featured several renowned poetesses from the 19th century.
• Emily Dickinson and Christina Rossetti were among the most celebrated poetesses of their time.
• The literary society honored the contributions of poetesses throughout history.
• Many poetesses of the Victorian era wrote under male pseudonyms.
• The term ‘poetesses’ is rarely used today, with ‘poets’ being preferred regardless of gender.