Pike
/paɪk/
Definitions
4 meaningsA large, predatory freshwater fish with a long body, a pointed head, and large teeth.
/paɪk/
A type of freshwater fish.
The angler reeled in a huge pike.
💡 Simply: Imagine a fish that's long and skinny with a mouth full of pointy teeth, like a water-monster from a storybook. This fish is called a pike!
👶 For kids: A big, long fish that eats other fish in rivers and lakes. It has pointy teeth!
More Examples
Pike are often found in weedy areas of lakes and rivers.
The museum showcased a display about different types of pike.
How It's Used
"The fisherman caught a large pike in the lake."
"Pikes are known for their predatory behavior."
A long spear or lance with a pointed metal head, formerly used as a weapon.
/paɪk/
A pointed weapon.
Pikes were a key weapon in medieval warfare.
💡 Simply: Imagine a super-long stick with a sharp pointy end, like a giant toothpick used by soldiers way back when. That's a pike!
👶 For kids: A long stick with a sharp pointy thing on the end, like a spear.
More Examples
The guards were armed with pikes to defend the castle.
The infantrymen marched with their pikes.
The painting depicted soldiers with long pikes.
How It's Used
"The soldiers advanced with their pikes lowered."
"In the historical novel, the knights wielded pikes."
A pointed peak or projection, especially of a mountain.
/paɪk/
A pointed peak or projection
The climbers made their way up the steep pike.
💡 Simply: Imagine a mountain with a sharp point sticking up, like a giant spike. This point, or peak, could also be called a pike.
👶 For kids: A pointy top on a mountain.
More Examples
The distant pikes of the mountain range loomed on the horizon.
The mountain's prominent pike was a landmark for sailors.
The sun set behind the pikes of the rocky terrain.
How It's Used
"The climber faced a steep pike to reach the summit."
To thrust or stab with a pike.
/paɪk/
To move or thrust with a pointed weapon.
The soldier piked at the opposing cavalry.
💡 Simply: To use a pointy spear to poke or stab something.
👶 For kids: To poke with a pointy spear.
More Examples
He piked his opponent, causing him to fall.
With a swift movement, he piked through the opponent's guard.
How It's Used
"The knight piked at the enemy's shield."
Idioms & expressions
go for a pike
To go away or leave.
"I think I'll go for a pike now."
From Middle English *pike*, from Old English *pīc* ('pointed object'), related to Old French *pic* ('pointed tool').
Pikes were commonly used by infantry in medieval and early modern warfare, particularly in formations such as the pike square.
Memory tip
Think of the sharp 'pike' on the fish's mouth to remember its name.
Word Origin
"pointed object"