poke

The word “poke” means to prod or jab something with a finger or object. In plain terms, to jab or prod something, or a light jabbing motion — also, informally, a Hawaiian raw-fish dish.

“Poke” is pronounced pohk (/poʊk/ in IPA).

Here is “poke” used in a sentence: “She poked him in the ribs to get his attention.”

Depending on how it is used, “poke” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “poke” comes from Middle English. From Middle English poken, likely borrowed from a Middle Dutch or Low German word of imitative origin.

“Poke” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Poke” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to prod or jab something with a finger or object.

A poke as a prod, jab, or thrust is unrelated to poke the food, which is a Hawaiian dish of cubed raw fish mixed with seasonings. The two share only a spelling; the dish name comes from Hawaiian and is usually pronounced differently from the verb.

Poke and prod both describe jabbing something with a finger or object, and are largely interchangeable, though "poke" more often suggests a light, quick touch while "prod" can imply more deliberate pressure, such as prodding someone into action. Both can be used literally or figuratively.

Yes, poke can also mean to thrust something out or forward, as in poking your head around a door or poking your tongue out. It is also used informally for an old-style social media nudge, such as a Facebook poke.