poet laureate
noun, plural poets laureate.
(in Great Britain) a poet appointed for life as an officer of the royal household, formerly expected to write poems in celebration of court and national events.
a poet recognized or acclaimed as the most eminent or representative of a country or locality.
(formerly) a poet whose efforts were officially recognized, as by a sovereign, university, etc.
Origin of poet laureate
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400
Words nearby poet laureate
Example sentences from the Web for poet laureate
British Dictionary definitions for poet laureate
poet laureate
noun plural poets laureate
British
the poet appointed as court poet of Britain who is given a post as an officer of the Royal Household. The first was Ben Jonson in 1616
Cultural definitions for poet laureate
poet laureate
The national poet in Britain. Historically, the poet laureate's duty has been to compose official poetry for the king's or queen's birthday and for great public occasions, such as victories in war, coronations, and births and weddings in the royal family. The poets laureate of Britain have included Geoffrey Chaucer, William Wordsworth, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
notes for poet laureate
The largely ceremonial position of poet laureate was created in the United States in 1985.