pore

1 of 2

verb

pored; poring

intransitive verb

1
: to gaze intently
2
: to read or study attentively
usually used with over
3
: to reflect or meditate steadily

pore

2 of 2

noun

1
: a minute opening especially in an animal or plant
especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane
2
: a small interstice (as in soil) admitting absorption or passage of liquid
pored adjective

Examples of pore in a Sentence

Verb the committee will probably pore over the results of the study for a long time before making their decision he pored over the textbook for hours in preparation for the test
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
ProPublica pored through archived resumes, federal financial disclosures forms, online databases and other documents. William Turton, ProPublica, 10 June 2025 Swift pored through an old yearbook and later called up the alum. Jillian Frankel, People.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
Plus, the non-comedogenic formula won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts, and the sheer, buildable tint effortlessly matches any skin tone. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 17 June 2025 Additionally, peptides and niacinamide help protect against dark spots while brightening the skin and refining pores. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pore

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English pouren

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin porus, from Greek poros passage, pore — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pore was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pore. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

pore

1 of 2 verb
ˈpō(ə)r How to pronounce pore (audio)
ˈpȯ(ə)r
pored; poring
: to read with great attention : study
pore over a book

pore

2 of 2 noun
: a tiny opening or space (as in the skin or the soil)
pored
ˈpō(ə)rd
ˈpȯ(ə)rd
adjective

Medical Definition

: a minute opening especially in an animal or plant
especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane

More from Merriam-Webster on pore

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