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

The two were often paired at readings and became fast friends, frequently seeing each other at a poker night of Brooklyn writers that also included Nathan Englander and Heidi Julavits. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

Transplant Games of America Events will continue throughout the day on Sunday with cycling, swimming, table tennis, poker, and basketball. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 June 2026

Those poker lessons have proven to be particularly fruitful. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 20 June 2026

New Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez, former national captain, poker pro and TV critic, is trying to make the most out of his improbable World Cup coaching stint. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 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