plural pockets
1
: a usually small cloth bag that is sewn into a piece of clothing, a larger bag, etc., and that is open at the top or side so that you can put things into it
He keeps his gloves in his coat pocket.
She was standing there with her hands in her pockets.
a hip/breast/shirt pocket
I have a hole in my pocket.
Her pocket was full of change/coins.
The security guard asked us to empty our pockets. [=to take out everything in our pockets]
2
: the amount of money that someone has available to spend
We're looking for investors with pockets that are deep enough to pay for the project. [=investors with enough money to pay for the project]
There are items in our store that suit every pocket. [=that everyone can afford to buy]
The governor paid for the event out of his own pocket. [=with his own money rather than the state's money]
The mayor diverted city funds into his own pockets. [=he took money that belonged to the city]
3
: a small bag or container that is attached to something and used to hold things
There are pockets on the back of each car seat.
a zippered pocket on the front of a suitcase
4
: a small area or group that is different from the larger area or group it is in or near
—usually + of
Military forces have encountered a few pockets of resistance.
5
pool and billiards
: a bag or cup that you hit the ball into at the corner or side of a pool table or billiard table
He knocked the ball into the corner/side pocket.
6
pockets; pocketed; pocketing
1
: to put (something) in a pocket
He pocketed the change.
2
a
: to take or keep (something that does not belong to you)
The chairman was fired for pocketing funds.
It turned out that they had pocketed [=stolen] most of the money that was supposed to go to victims of the fire.
The saleswoman had overcharged them and pocketed the difference.
b
: to earn or win (something, such as money)
a professional golfer who pocketed more than four million dollars in winnings
3
US
: to ignore (an emotion or feeling)
I had to pocket my pride and ask for some help.
4
pool and billiards
: to hit (a ball) into a pocket of a pool table or billiard table
She pocketed the eight ball.
always used before a noun
1
: small enough to fit in a pocket
a pocket calculator
2
: carried in a pocket
pocket change
a pocket watch/handkerchief
Cite this Entry
“Pocket.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pocket. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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