pooka
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of pooka
First recorded in 1820–30; from Irish púca, perhaps related to Old English pūca ( see Puck ( def. ))
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
James Stewart plays Elwood P Dowd, and Harvey is his love object, an invisible 6ft white rabbit sometimes described as a "pooka", a sort of sprite who can make your dreams come true.
From The Guardian ● Feb. 14, 2013
No liberty at all," says the pooka, says he: "I'll tell you, and welcome.
From Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
"Musha!" says she, "if the pooka does be cleaning up everything that way when we are asleep, what should we be slaving ourselves for doing his work?"
From Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
After November Eve the blackberries are no longer wholesome, for the pooka has spoiled them.
From Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
To make a long story short, the next night but two the boy was there again; and if he didn't delight the poor pooka, holding up a fine warm coat before him, it's no mather!
From Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
