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pike
1[ pahyk ]
/ paɪk /
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noun, plural (especially collectively) pike, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) pikes.
any of several large, slender, voracious freshwater fishes of the genus Esox, having a long, flat snout.
any of various superficially similar fishes, as the walleye or pikeperch.
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THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of pike
1First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English; so called from its pointed snout (see pike5)
OTHER WORDS FROM pike
pikelike, adjectiveWords nearby pike
Other definitions for pike (2 of 8)
pike2
[ pahyk ]
/ paɪk /
noun
a shafted weapon having a pointed head, formerly used by infantry.
verb (used with object), piked, pik·ing.
to pierce, wound, or kill with or as with a pike.
Other definitions for pike (3 of 8)
pike3
[ pahyk ]
/ paɪk /
noun
Origin of pike
3An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; short for turnpike
Other definitions for pike (4 of 8)
pike4
[ pahyk ]
/ paɪk /
noun Chiefly British.
a hill or mountain with a pointed summit.
Origin of pike
4First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; special use of pike5; compare Old English hornpīc “pinnacle”
Other definitions for pike (5 of 8)
pike5
[ pahyk ]
/ paɪk /
noun
a sharply pointed projection or spike.
the pointed end of anything, as of an arrow or a spear.
Origin of pike
5First recorded before 900; Middle English pik “pick, spike, (pilgrim's) staff,” Old English pīc “pointed tool”; see pick2
Other definitions for pike (6 of 8)
pike6
[ pahyk ]
/ paɪk /
verb (used without object), piked, pik·ing.Older Slang.
to go, leave, or move along quickly.
Origin of pike
6First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English pyke (intransitive); perhaps originally “to equip oneself with a walking stick”; see pike5
Other definitions for pike (7 of 8)
pike7
[ pahyk ]
/ paɪk /
noun Diving, Gymnastics.
a body position, resembling a V shape, in which the back and head are bent forward and the legs lifted and held together, with the hands touching the feet or backs of the knees or the arms extended sideways.Compare layout (def. 10), tuck1 (def. 14).
Origin of pike
7First recorded in 1955–60; perhaps special use of pike1
Other definitions for pike (8 of 8)
Pike
[ pahyk ]
/ paɪk /
noun
James Albert, 1913–69, U.S. Protestant Episcopal clergyman, lawyer, and author.
Zeb·u·lon Montgomery [zeb-yoo-luhn], /ˈzɛb yʊ lən/, 1779–1813, U.S. general and explorer.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use pike in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for pike (1 of 5)
pike1
/ (paɪk) /
noun plural pike or pikes
any of several large predatory freshwater teleost fishes of the genus Esox, esp E. lucius (northern pike), having a broad flat snout, strong teeth, and an elongated body covered with small scales: family Esocidae
any of various similar fishes
Word Origin for pike
C14: short for pikefish, from Old English pīc point, with reference to the shape of its jaw
British Dictionary definitions for pike (2 of 5)
pike2
/ (paɪk) /
noun
a medieval weapon consisting of an iron or steel spearhead joined to a long pole, the pikestaff
a point or spike
verb
(tr) to stab or pierce using a pike
Word Origin for pike
Old English pīc point, of obscure origin
British Dictionary definitions for pike (3 of 5)
British Dictionary definitions for pike (4 of 5)
pike4
/ (paɪk) /
noun
Northern English dialect a pointed or conical hill
Word Origin for pike
Old English pīc, of obscure origin
British Dictionary definitions for pike (5 of 5)
pike5
piked (paɪkt)
/ (paɪk) /
adjective
(of the body position of a diver) bent at the hips but with the legs straight
Word Origin for pike
C20: of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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