noun
Common
poker
POH-kuh
Poker (noun) means a metal rod used to stir and adjust burning coals or logs in a fire. Example: “Please use the poker to push the logs back into the middle of the fire.”
noun
1
A metal rod used to stir and adjust burning coals or logs in a fire.
"Please use the poker to push the logs back into the middle of the fire."
"The brass poker hung beside the fireplace next to a small shovel."
"He jabbed at the embers with a poker."
2
A card game in which players bet on the strength of their hands.
"My uncle taught me how to play poker on a rainy holiday."
"Do you want to join our weekly poker night at Sam's house?"
"They played poker until 2 a.m., betting matchsticks instead of cash."
How to use poker
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the metal fireplace tool, or the well-known card-betting game.
Common pairings
play poker
poker face
poker night
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Word forms
- Plural
- pokers
- Third person singular
- pokers
- Past tense
- pokered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Please use the _____ to push the logs back into the middle of the fire.
Etymology
An American English word, perhaps taken from the first element of German Pochspiel, itself from German pochen, which may come from French poque. It first appeared in the 19th century.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for poker
See all rhymes for poker →Frequently asked questions
What does “poker” mean?
The word “poker” means a metal rod used to stir and adjust burning coals or logs in a fire. In plain terms, either the metal fireplace tool, or the well-known card-betting game.
How do you pronounce “poker”?
“Poker” is pronounced POH-kuh (/ˈpoʊkɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “poker” in a sentence?
Here is “poker” used in a sentence: “He jabbed at the embers with a poker.”
What part of speech is “poker”?
“Poker” is a noun.
Is “poker” a common word?
“Poker” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “poker” have?
“Poker” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a metal rod used to stir and adjust burning coals or logs in a fire.
What is the difference between poker and blackjack?
In poker, players bet against each other based on the strength of their hands, while in blackjack players compete against the dealer to get closer to 21. Poker rewards bluffing and reading opponents, whereas blackjack centres on reaching a target total.
What is a fireplace poker used for?
A fireplace poker is a metal rod used to stir, move, and adjust burning coals or logs, helping air reach the fire so it keeps burning. It is a traditional tool kept beside open fires and wood-burning stoves.
