poker

¹

[poh-ker]

noun

1. a person or thing that pokes. poke.

2. a metal rod for poking poke or stirring a fire.

poker

²

[poh-ker]

noun

1. a card game played by two or more persons, in which the players bet on the value of their hands, the winner taking the pool.

poker

¹

/ ˈpəʊkə /

noun

1. a metal rod, usually with a handle, for stirring a fire

2. a person or thing that pokes

poker

²

/ ˈpəʊkə /

noun

1. a card game of bluff and skill in which bets are made on the hands dealt, the highest-ranking hand (containing the most valuable combinations of sequences and sets of cards) winning the pool

Word History and Origins

Origin of poker¹

First recorded in 1525–35; poke ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of poker²

1825–35, perhaps originally braggart, bluffer; compare Middle Low German poken to brag, play, Middle Dutch poken to bluff, brag

Word History and Origins

Origin of poker¹

C19: probably from French poque similar card game

Idioms and Phrases

• stiff as a board (poker)

Example Sentences

Instead, he just looks like one of my great-uncles who are obsessed with poker.

Read more on Literature

She stood straight as a poker and spoke in her most no-nonsense voice.

Read more on Literature

The challenge, as always, was to play the role of market generalist without also playing the role of fool at the poker table.

Read more on Literature

Billups is accused of helping to draw in unsuspecting gamblers to the poker games and tipping off others in the scheme about his plans to rest top players.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," Carr said.

Read more on BBC