noun

rook

ruuk

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Rook (noun) means a large black European bird related to the crow, known for nesting in noisy colonies. Example: “A flock of rooks circled above the bare winter trees.”

noun

A large black European bird related to the crow, known for nesting in noisy colonies.

"A flock of rooks circled above the bare winter trees."

In chess, a piece shaped like a castle tower that moves in straight lines, horizontally or vertically.

"She castled early to get her king and rook into safer positions."

verb

To cheat or overcharge someone.

"The tourist felt rooked after paying triple the normal taxi fare."

How to use rook

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the crow-like bird, the castle-shaped chess piece, or (as a verb) to swindle someone.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the chess "rook" (the tower piece) with "rookie" (a beginner) — they're unrelated in meaning despite the similar spelling.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: rooks
Third person singular: rooks
Past tense: rooked

Test yourself on “rook” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A flock of _____ circled above the bare winter trees.

Etymology

The bird sense comes from Old English hrōc, an old imitative word for the bird's harsh call; the "cheat" sense grew from the bird's reputation for thieving, and the chess piece comes from a separate, unrelated word for a fortified tower.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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victimize nobble bunco diddle defraud goldbrick swindle con mulct scam hornswoggle castle

Related words

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Rhymes for rook

ook book look cook hook nook kook sook fook mook wook took

See all rhymes for rook →

Frequently asked questions

What does “rook” mean?

The word “rook” means a large black European bird related to the crow, known for nesting in noisy colonies. In plain terms, either the crow-like bird, the castle-shaped chess piece, or (as a verb) to swindle someone.

How do you pronounce “rook”?

“Rook” is pronounced ruuk (/ɹʊk/ in IPA).

How do you use “rook” in a sentence?

Here is “rook” used in a sentence: “A flock of rooks circled above the bare winter trees.”

What is another word for “rook”?

Words with a similar meaning to “rook” include castle and fortress.

What part of speech is “rook”?

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

Where does the word “rook” come from?

The word “rook” comes from Old English.

How many meanings does “rook” have?

“Rook” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large black European bird related to the crow, known for nesting in noisy colonies.

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