forked

1 of 2

adjective

ˈfȯrkt  ˈfȯr-kəd 

1

: resembling a fork especially in having one end divided into two or more branches or points

forked lightning

2

: shaped like a fork or having a forked part

a forked road

forked

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of fork entry 2

Examples of forked in a Sentence

Adjective

a bird with a deeply forked tail

the forked tongue of a snake

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Late-stage larvae then burst out, grow a forked tail, and swim to find an animal host. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026

Long, narrow, forked bracts also form a distinctive skirt beneath each Queen Anne’s lace flower cluster. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 Sep. 2026

Catching that pair with no tools except the forked stick and the hook posed a problem. — Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026

The forked carbon-fiber plate adds a propulsive feel, making climbs and descents less punishing. — Chris Haslam, Wired News, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forked

• forked tongue
• speak/talk with (a) forked tongue

Rhymes for forked

• uncorked
• corked

Kids Definition

forked

adjective

ˈfȯ(ə)rkt  ˈfȯr-kəd 

: having a fork : shaped like a fork