poker

1 of 2

noun (1)

pok·​er ˈpō-kər 

: one that pokes

especially : a metal rod for stirring a fire

poker

2 of 2

noun (2)

po·​ker ˈpō-kər 

: any of several card games in which a player bets that the value of their own hand is greater than that of the hands held by others, in which each subsequent player must either equal or raise the bet or drop out, and in which the player holding the highest hand at the end of the betting wins the pot

Illustration of poker

• 1 five of a kind
• 2 royal flush
• 3 straight flush
• 4 four of a kind
• 5 full house
• 6 flush
• 7 straight
• 8 three of a kind
• 9 two pair
• 10 one pair

Examples of poker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And poker games with teammates. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026

Among those testifying at Goldstein's trial was actor Tobey Maguire, an avid poker player known for his role as Spider-Man, NBC News reported. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026

In the industry, he was widely known as the unofficial mayor of show business, a die-hard poker player, a game night impresario and a complete original. —Annabelle Gurwitch, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026

Acorn Ridge Casino has more than 400 slot machines and games including baccarat, Blackjack and four card poker. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

probably modification of French poque, a card game similar to poker

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1534, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1832, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing poker

• draw poker
• poker face
• red-hot poker
• straight poker
• strip poker
• stud poker

Rhymes for poker

• broker
• choker
• coker
• croaker
• joker
• ochre
• smoker
• mediocre
• pawnbroker
• stockbroker

Kids Definition

poker

1 of 2 noun

pok·​er ˈpō-kər 

: one that pokes

especially : a metal rod for stirring a fire

poker

2 of 2 noun

po·​ker ˈpō-kər 

: a card game in which a player bets on the value of his or her hand