hook
24 synonyms and 1 antonym for hook, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A curved piece of metal or other material used to catch, hold, or hang something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A curved piece of metal or other material used to catch, hold, or hang something.
“She hung her coat on the hook by the door.”
How to use hook
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
fish hook
hook something up
catchy hook
off the hook
Etymology
From Old English hōc, meaning "angle" or "hook," from an ancient Germanic root for a bent peg or claw.
Full origin of hook →Frequently asked questions
What does “hook” mean?
The word “hook” means a curved piece of metal or other material used to catch, hold, or hang something. In plain terms, a curved fastening or catching device — or, more loosely, anything that grabs attention.
How do you pronounce “hook”?
“Hook” is pronounced huuk (/hʊk/ in IPA).
How do you use “hook” in a sentence?
Here is “hook” used in a sentence: “She hung her coat on the hook by the door.”
What part of speech is “hook”?
Depending on how it is used, “hook” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “hook” come from?
The word “hook” comes from Old English. From Old English hōc, meaning "angle" or "hook," from an ancient Germanic root for a bent peg or claw.
Is “hook” a common word?
“Hook” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “hook” have?
“Hook” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a curved piece of metal or other material used to catch, hold, or hang something.
What is a hook in music or writing?
In music and writing, a hook is a catchy opening line or musical phrase designed to grab attention and stick in the mind. Songwriters build choruses around hooks, and journalists use a hook to pull readers into a story.
