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

Possible side effects include: Clogged pores: Coconut oil is thick and may clog skin pores on your scalp, which can lead to irritation and breakouts. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 14 Nov. 2025

The result is skin that looks less congested, pores that appear tighter and flatter, and an overall brighter complexion. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 31 Oct. 2025

Noun

This Kosas pick is made with caffeine and peptides to brighten and plump, respectively, without clogging your pores. —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

Wood boards have surfaces with pores that take in moisture and bits of food, letting bacteria penetrate and hang out, potentially leading to cross-contamination. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 24 Nov. 2025

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