noun
poet; composer of a poem
Refers specifically to the person who writes or composes a poem, often in the context of waka, tanka, or renga. The term 読み手 can also mean 'reader' or 'chanter', but this form with 詠 emphasizes the act of composing.
See also: 読み手
この歌の詠み手は誰ですか。
Who is the composer of this poem?
彼は優れた短歌の詠み手として知られている。
He is known as an excellent composer of tanka.
読み手 usually means 'reader' or 'chanter' of a poem, while 詠み手 specifically means the 'composer' or 'writer' of a poem.
歌人 is a more general and common term for a poet, especially one who composes waka or tanka. 詠み手 is more specific to the act of composing a particular poem.
Compound of 詠み (yomi, 'composing poetry', the continuative form of 詠む) + 手 (te, 'person'). The kanji 詠 specifically denotes poetic composition, distinguishing it from 読む (to read).