eke

¹

[eek]

verb (used with object)

eked, eking 

1. to increase; enlarge; lengthen.

verb phrase

1. eke out

   1. to make (a living) or support (existence) laboriously.

      They managed to eke out a living by farming a small piece of land.

   2. to supplement; add to; stretch.

      to eke out an income with odd jobs.

eke

²

[eek]

adverb

Archaic.

1. also.

eke

¹

/ iːk /

verb

1. archaic,  (tr) to increase, enlarge, or lengthen

eke

²

/ iːk /

1. archaic,  also; moreover

Word History and Origins

Origin of eke¹

before 1000; Middle English eken, Old English ēac ( i ) an (intransitive), derivative of ēaca (noun) increase; Middle English echen, Old English ēcan, variant of īecan (transitive) < West Germanic *aukjan; both akin to Old Norse auka, Gothic aukan, Latin augēre, Greek auxánein to increase, amplify

Origin of eke²

before 900; Middle English eek, Old English ēc, ēac; cognate with German auch, Old Norse, Gothic auk

Word History and Origins

Origin of eke¹

Old English eacan; related to Old Norse auka to increase, Latin augēre to increase

Origin of eke²

Old English eac; related to Old Norse, Gothic auk also, Old High German ouh, Latin autem but, aut or

Example Sentences

Problems in traditional trading relationships are among the many problems facing Germany, which is expected to eke out just meagre growth this year after two years of recession.

Read more on Barron's

Rumor had it that they had booked passage on a ship to America, where they planned to open a Russian tea room, perhaps in New York City, and eke out a living that way.

Read more on Literature

In the spring of 1879, during planting season, local farmers were evaluating their options for how to eke out a living.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Canadian economy is expected to eke out only modest growth in the second half of 2025 after contracting in the second quarter thanks to the disruption of tariffs on exports and heightened uncertainty that dampened business investment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It manages to eke out its message in the eleventh hour, but it feels too little too late in our cultural moment, despite its evergreen importance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times