Poke
/poʊk/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo quickly jab or prod someone or something with a finger or a pointed object.
/poʊk/
To quickly jab or prod with a finger or pointed object.
She poked the sleeping cat gently.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to get someone's attention, so you gently tap them on the shoulder or arm. That's a poke! Like when you poke your friend to make them laugh.
👶 For kids: To touch someone or something with your finger or something pointy.
More Examples
He poked the coals in the fireplace to get them burning.
Stop poking me; I'm trying to concentrate.
How It's Used
"He poked me in the arm to get my attention."
"The child poked at the cake with a sticky finger."
A quick thrust or jab with a finger or a pointed object.
/poʊk/
A thrust or jab with a finger or a pointed object.
The bear gave the tent a quick poke with its paw.
💡 Simply: When you give someone a little tap or nudge with your finger, that's a poke. It's like a tiny, quick push!
👶 For kids: When you touch someone or something with your finger really fast.
More Examples
She received a gentle poke on her shoulder to get her attention.
He ignored the poke in his side, pretending he didn't notice.
How It's Used
"He gave me a poke in the ribs."
"The playful puppy gave the cat a gentle poke."
A bag or container, usually a small one.
/poʊk/
A bag or container.
The old woman carried a poke of seeds.
💡 Simply: A poke is like a small bag or pouch, maybe for carrying a few things. Think of a small sack you might use to carry your lunch or a few coins.
👶 For kids: A small bag or pouch.
More Examples
The miner took his gold dust in a poke.
How It's Used
"She carried her belongings in a small poke."
To search or rummage, often with the hands.
/poʊk/
To search or rummage (usually in a container).
She poked around the cupboard for a snack.
💡 Simply: When you look through something, like a drawer or a box, you might poke around, moving things to find what you're looking for. Imagine you’re looking through your toy box.
👶 For kids: To look for something by moving things around.
More Examples
The detective poked through the evidence.
He poked in his pockets for the tickets.
How It's Used
"She poked through the drawers looking for her keys."
"He poked around the attic to see what he could find."
Idioms & expressions
poke around
To search or investigate something, especially in an exploratory or casual way.
"I'll poke around the shops to see what's available."
poke fun at
To make fun of someone or something.
"They like to poke fun at their friend's silly mistakes."
From Middle English poken, from Old English *pōcian, from Proto-Germanic *pōkaz (compare Dutch and Low German poken, German pochen).
Historically, 'poke' as a verb has been used to describe a pushing motion since Old English. The noun 'poke' referring to a bag is an older usage.
Memory tip
Think of poking a marshmallow with a stick.
Word Origin
"To push, jab"