poker

1 of 2

noun (1)

pok·​er ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio)
: one that pokes
especially : a metal rod for stirring a fire

poker

2 of 2

noun (2)

po·​ker ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio)
: 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
  • 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Peacock, character in Clue — MRS Down 1D. Coin flip call — TAILS 2D. Shows on TV — AIRS 3D. Requests at the bar, informally — ILLS 4D. Decent poker holding — PAIR 5D. Person who loves attention — HAM Here are all the words on the grid: Notice the circles on this puzzle. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 The 2026 budget calls for two-year licenses available from the Office of Lottery and Gaming for a $5,000 application fee, as well as a $2,000 charge for every location where a company is hosting games such as poker and blackjack. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2025 Use a poker or tongs to turn the chicken every half hour or so, using a different loop to hang it so that a different side faces the fire. Peter Barrett, Outside Online, 9 June 2025 The Madame Web star wore her signature short bangs and long brown hair poker straight. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for poker

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)

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poker was in 1534

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poker. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

poker

1 of 2 noun
pok·​er ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio)
: one that pokes
especially : a metal rod for stirring a fire

poker

2 of 2 noun
po·​ker ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio)
: a card game in which a player bets on the value of his or her hand

More from Merriam-Webster on poker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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