To save this word, you'll need to log in.
\ ˈpȯiz 
\
\poised; poising
Definition of poise
(Entry 1 of 3)
b : to hold supported or suspended without motion in a steady position
poised her fork and gave her guest a knowing look— Louis Bromfield
2 : to hold or carry (the head) in a particular way
3 : to put into readiness : brace
poise
noun (1)\ ˈpȯiz \
\Definition of poise (Entry 2 of 3)
1 : a stably balanced state : equilibrium a poise between widely divergent impulses— F. R. Leavis
poise
noun (2)\ ˈpwäz \
\Definition of poise (Entry 3 of 3)
: a centimeter-gram-second unit of viscosity equal to the viscosity of a fluid that would require a shearing force of one dyne to impart to a one-square-centimeter area of an arbitrary layer of the fluid a velocity of one centimeter per second relative to another layer separated from the first by a distance of one centimeter
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms for poise
Synonyms: Verb
- brace,
- forearm,
- fortify,
- nerve,
- psych (up),
- ready,
- steel,
- strengthen
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for poise
poise
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of poise
: to hold (something) in a balanced and steady position
See the full definition for poise in the English Language Learners Dictionary
poise
verb\ ˈpȯiz \
\poised; poising
Kids Definition of poise
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : to hold or make steady by balancing
A book was poised on her head.
2 : to remain in position without moving
… a serpent was poised ready to strike.— Lloyd Alexander, Time Cat
3 : to be or become ready for something
poise
nounKids Definition of poise (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : the state of being balanced
2 : a natural self-confident manner
He spoke with great poise.
poise
noun\ ˈpȯiz , ˈpwäz \
, ˈpwäz \Medical Definition of poise
: a cgs unit of viscosity equal to the viscosity of a fluid that would require a shearing force of one dyne to impart to a one square-centimeter area of an arbitrary layer of the fluid a velocity of one centimeter per second relative to another layer separated from the first by a distance of one centimeter
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on poise
What made you want to look up poise? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share poise
Time Traveler for poise
The first known use of poise was in 1597
See more words from the same year