noun
Uncommon
stalk
stawk
Stalk (noun) means the stem of a plant, or a similar stem-like part. Example: “She snapped the flower off at the stalk.”
noun
1
The stem of a plant, or a similar stem-like part.
"She snapped the flower off at the stalk."
"The wheat stalks swayed in the wind."
verb
1
To approach quietly and slowly so as not to be noticed, especially when hunting.
"The tiger stalked its prey through the tall grass."
2
To follow or watch someone obsessively and repeatedly, often causing them fear or distress.
"He was arrested after he was found to be stalking his ex-girlfriend for months."
"She reported the account that kept stalking her on social media."
How to use stalk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA plant's stem, or — as a verb — to sneak up on someone or something, or to obsessively follow a person.
When to use it
The "obsessively follow" sense is often used loosely and informally for checking someone's social media, but in law "stalking" describes a serious criminal offence.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a stalk of celery
stalk prey
stalk an ex
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Word forms
- Plural
- stalks
- Third person singular
- stalks
- Past tense
- stalked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She snapped the flower off at the _____.
Etymology
From Middle English stalke, likely from an Old English root related to a stem or support, going back to a Proto-Indo-European word for "post" or "stalk."
Related words
Rhymes for stalk
See all rhymes for stalk →Frequently asked questions
What does “stalk” mean?
The word “stalk” means the stem of a plant, or a similar stem-like part. In plain terms, a plant's stem, or — as a verb — to sneak up on someone or something, or to obsessively follow a person.
How do you pronounce “stalk”?
“Stalk” is pronounced stawk (/stɔk/ in IPA).
How do you use “stalk” in a sentence?
Here is “stalk” used in a sentence: “She snapped the flower off at the stalk.”
What part of speech is “stalk”?
Depending on how it is used, “stalk” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “stalk” come from?
The word “stalk” comes from Old English. From Middle English stalke, likely from an Old English root related to a stem or support, going back to a Proto-Indo-European word for "post" or "stalk.".
Is “stalk” a common word?
“Stalk” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stalk” have?
“Stalk” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the stem of a plant, or a similar stem-like part.
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