hook
Hook (noun) means a curved piece of metal or other material used to catch, hold, or hang something. Example: “She hung her coat on the hook by the door.”
How to use hook
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA curved fastening or catching device — or, more loosely, anything that grabs attention.
Word forms
hooked past tense, hooks plural, Hooks plural, hooks singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She hung her coat on the _____ by the door.
Etymology
From Old English hōc, meaning "angle" or "hook," from an ancient Germanic root for a bent peg or claw.
Related words
Rhymes for hook
See all rhymes for 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.
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