poker

¹ American  

[poh-ker] / ˈpoʊ kər /

noun

1. a person or thing that pokes. poke.

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

---

poker ² American  

[poh-ker] / ˈpoʊ kər /

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 British  

/ ˈpəʊkə /

noun

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

2. a person or thing that pokes

---

poker ² British  

/ 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

---

poker Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing poker

• stiff as a board (poker)

---

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

New rules proposed by the state could put an end to blackjack, poker and other games at card rooms.

From Los Angeles Times

In compulsive behaviors such as repeated handwashing or playing poker machines, the prevailing theory has been that these actions become deeply ingrained habits.

From Science Daily

Kocherha, the radio-electronic support specialist whose call sign means fire poker, said that over two days at least six trucks were destroyed on the road.

From The Wall Street Journal

From a poker straight to genuine shock, Rachel's game face was on par to get her through some serious heat amongst fellow competitors.

From BBC

Videos and memes of Stephen's somewhat unconvincing poker face have gone viral, with clips of his dramatic facial expressions also being widely shared.

From BBC