Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

poker

noun (1)
pok·​er | \ ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio) \

Definition of poker

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: one that pokes especially : a metal rod for stirring a fire

poker

noun (2)
po·​ker | \ ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio) \

Definition of poker (Entry 2 of 2)

: any of several card games in which a player bets that the value of his or her 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

Illustration of poker

Noun (2)

poker hands in descending value: 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

In the meaning defined above

First Known Use of poker

Noun (1)

1534, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1832, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for poker

Noun (2)

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about poker

Statistics for poker

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for poker

The first known use of poker was in 1534

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for poker

poker

noun
pok·​er | \ ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio) \

Kids Definition of poker

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a metal rod used for stirring a fire

poker

noun
po·​ker | \ ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio) \

Kids Definition of poker (Entry 2 of 2)

: a card game in which players bet on the value of their cards

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on poker

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with poker

Spanish Central: Translation of poker

Nglish: Translation of poker for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poker

Comments on poker

What made you want to look up poker? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

coin of the realm

Listen to the pronounciation of coin of the realm

something valued as if it were money

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?

  • time traveler quiz which word came first
  • Which came first?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games