pore

1 of 2

verb

ˈpȯr 

pored; poring

intransitive verb

1

: to gaze intently

2

: to read or study attentively

—usually used with over

3

: to reflect or meditate steadily

pore

2 of 2

noun

1

: a minute opening especially in an animal or plant

especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane

2

: a small interstice (as in soil) admitting absorption or passage of liquid

pored

ˈpȯrd 

adjective

Synonyms of pore

Verb

• contemplate
• ponder
• consider
• debate
• entertain
• study
• think (about or over)
• mull (over)
• eye
• question
• wrestle (with)
• weigh

Examples of pore in a Sentence

Verb

the committee will probably pore over the results of the study for a long time before making their decision

he pored over the textbook for hours in preparation for the test

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

As of the afternoon of Feb. 17, top computer models continue to pore through weather data to determine the direction and strength of a storm that's still several days away from the East Coast. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026

The titular azelaic acid decongests pores, kills bacteria, soothes inflammation, sloughs off dead cells, and smooths uneven texture. —Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 9 Feb. 2026

Noun

As air passes through the machine, the MOFs trap water molecules in their tiny pores. —Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026

The mask is also made with complexion-soothing oatmeal to treat redness and irritation, along with kaolin clay to gently, yet deeply penetrate your pores and exfoliate impurities. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English pouren

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin porus, from Greek poros passage, pore — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pore

• pore fungus
• pore over

Rhymes for pore

• boar
• boer
• bore
• chore
• cor
• core
• corps
• crore
• door
• drawer
• floor
• flor

Kids Definition

pore

1 of 2 verb

ˈpō(ə)r 

ˈpȯ(ə)r

pored; poring

: to read with great attention : study

pore over a book

pore

2 of 2 noun

: a tiny opening or space (as in the skin or the soil)

pored

ˈpō(ə)rd, 

ˈpȯ(ə)rd

adjective

Medical Definition

pore

noun

ˈpō(ə)r, ˈpȯ(ə)r 

: a minute opening especially in an animal or plant

especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane