poky

American  

[poh-kee] / ˈpoʊ ki /

adjective

Informal.

pokier, pokiest

1. moving or acting slowly or ineffectively; slow; dull.

   poky drivers.

2. (of a place) small and cramped.

   a poky little room.

3. (of dress) dowdy.

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poky British  

/ ˈpəʊkɪ /

adjective

1. informal (esp of rooms) small and cramped

2. without speed or energy; slow

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noun

1. slang prison

Other Word Forms

• pokily adverb
• pokiness noun

Etymology

Origin of poky

First recorded in 1825–30; poke ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

But by the poky standards of corporate restaurant culture, the response to the cheese-pull moment really did represent a miracle of nimble pivoting.

From Slate • Aug. 11, 2025

In a world of cautious Catalans and poky Petroffs, the King’s Gambit can guarantee an interesting outing.

From Washington Times • Jan. 17, 2023

Almost all runners, whether veterans or newcomers, poky or fleet, youthful or antique, share one bond.

From Washington Post • Oct. 19, 2022

Sometimes you cut your finger on a poky throne.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2022

There are a few poky stores—one that buys used goods, another that sells fake jewelry.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins