pore
7 synonyms for pore, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tiny opening in the skin, or a similarly small opening in another surface.
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 tiny opening in the skin, or a similarly small opening in another surface.
“I could sense the sweat dripping out of all my pores.”
2. verb
To study or read something with intense, sustained concentration.
“She spent the evening poring over old family photographs.”
Etymology
From Old French pore, from Latin porus, from Greek poros ("passage").
Full origin of pore →Frequently asked questions
What does “pore” mean?
The word “pore” means a tiny opening in the skin, or a similarly small opening in another surface. In plain terms, a tiny opening in a surface, or (as a verb) to study something closely and carefully.
How do you pronounce “pore”?
“Pore” is pronounced paw (/poɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pore” in a sentence?
Here is “pore” used in a sentence: “Sweat escapes through the pores in your skin.”
What part of speech is “pore”?
Depending on how it is used, “pore” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pore” come from?
The word “pore” comes from Latin. From Old French pore, from Latin porus, from Greek poros ("passage").
How many meanings does “pore” have?
“Pore” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tiny opening in the skin, or a similarly small opening in another surface.
