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

Bayley seemed to be headed in a similar direction for WrestleMania 42, where she was left off the famed poker table photo for the Vegas event. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Kerr does not so much race middle-distance events as play poker within them, always running in sunglasses and being one of the smartest at showing his hand late and covering moves by others. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Plants like coneflowers, red hot poker flowers, and Oriental lilies draw pollinators (who in turn help boost the productivity of the vegetables and fruits), while a birdbath offers a drink. — Myles McDonnell, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

The picture of dogs playing poker is from a night two years ago. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 16 July 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)

1827, 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