Word forms: plural poet laureates, plural poets laureate
countable noun
Thepoet laureate is the official poet of a country. In Britain the poet laureate is paid by the government for the rest of their life. In the United States they are paid for a fixed period.
poet laureate in British English
nounWord forms: pluralpoets 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
poet laureate in American English
Word forms: pluralpoets laureate or poet laureates
1.
the court poet of England, appointed for life by the monarch, traditionally to write poems celebrating official occasions, national events, etc.
2.
the official or most respected poet of any specific nation, region, etc.
Examples of 'poet laureate' in a sentence
poet laureate
The poet laureate is a political appointment as well as a poetical one.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Sometimes poets laureate find inspiration in the most peculiar places.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Does it matter that after nearly four centuries the post of poet laureate is held by a woman?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
We must get the selection of the next poet laureate right so that the appreciation of poetry is encouraged.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Never has a poet laureate's work been so politically pointed.