POK-iht
Pocket (noun) means a small fabric pouch sewn into clothing for carrying small items. Example: “He fished his keys out of his jacket pocket.”
noun
1
A small fabric pouch sewn into clothing for carrying small items.
"He fished his keys out of his jacket pocket."
"She keeps her phone in her back pocket."
"The coat has a deep pocket on each side for gloves."
2
A person's available money or financial means.
"Living in a big city can be hard on the pocket for students."
"Choose a gift that suits your pocket rather than overspending."
"A holiday like that is well beyond my pocket right now."
3
A small, isolated area or group, cut off from the surrounding whole.
"Pockets of resistance remained even after the ceasefire."
"There were pockets of fog in the valley while the hills stayed clear."
"A few pockets of snow remained in the shady corners of the garden."
verb
1
To take something, especially money, dishonestly or secretly for oneself.
"The manager was caught pocketing cash from the till."
"The treasurer quietly pocketed some of the club's funds for years."
"Nobody noticed her pocketing the extra change the customer left behind."
2
To put something into a pocket.
"He pocketed his change and walked out."
"She pocketed her ticket and hurried onto the platform."
"I picked up the pebble and pocketed it as a souvenir."
How to use pocket
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small pouch in clothing for carrying things, or, more broadly, someone's money or a small isolated area/amount.
Common pairings
pocket money
out of pocket
pocket the profits
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Word forms
- Plural
- pockets
- Third person singular
- pockets
- Past tense
- pocketted, pocketed
Fill the gap
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He fished his keys out of his jacket _____.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman poket, a diminutive of poke/poque ("bag, sack"), from Frankish *pokō ("pouch").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for pocket
See all rhymes for pocket →Frequently asked questions
What does “pocket” mean?
The word “pocket” means a small fabric pouch sewn into clothing for carrying small items. In plain terms, a small pouch in clothing for carrying things, or, more broadly, someone's money or a small isolated area/amount.
How do you pronounce “pocket”?
“Pocket” is pronounced POK-iht (/ˈpɑ.kɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “pocket” in a sentence?
Here is “pocket” used in a sentence: “He fished his keys out of his jacket pocket.”
What is another word for “pocket”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pocket” include backfield, passing pocket and tackle box.
What part of speech is “pocket”?
Depending on how it is used, “pocket” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pocket” come from?
The word “pocket” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman poket, a diminutive of poke/poque ("bag, sack"), from Frankish *pokō ("pouch").
Is “pocket” a common word?
“Pocket” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “pocket” have?
“Pocket” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small fabric pouch sewn into clothing for carrying small items.
What is the difference between a pocket and a pouch?
A pocket is sewn into a garment or bag as a built-in compartment, so it stays attached to the item. A pouch is a separate, self-contained little bag you carry on its own or clip on. In short, a pocket is part of something larger, while a pouch stands alone.
What are the common types of pockets?
Clothing uses several designs. A patch pocket is stitched onto the outside; a welt or slit pocket sits flush with an opening; an inset or side-seam pocket hides in a seam; and a cargo pocket is a large, often flapped pouch on trousers or jackets. Each balances storage against style.
What is an example of a pocket?
The small openings on the front of a pair of jeans are classic pockets, holding keys, coins, or a phone. Shirts often have a single chest pocket, while coats add inner pockets for wallets. Anywhere a garment carries a stitched pouch for small items, that is a pocket.
Why do some clothes have fake pockets?
Manufacturers sometimes sew a pocket shut or merely print its shape to preserve a garment's slim, tailored line, since a real, bulky pocket can spoil how the fabric hangs. This is especially common on women's clothing and formal wear. The seam looks like a pocket but offers no actual storage.
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