poker

UK: ˈpəʊkə | US: ˈpoʊkər

Definition

  1. n. a card game involving betting and bluffing

  2. n. a metal rod used for stirring a fire

  3. vt. to stir or prod with a poker

Structure
poke <prod>er <agent noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "poker" originally referred to a tool used to stir fires (from "poke" + "-er"). Later, the card game borrowed the name, possibly due to the bluffing aspect metaphorically "prodding" opponents. The dual meanings reflect the word's functional and playful evolution.

Examples

  1. He won a large sum playing poker last night.

  2. She used the poker to rearrange the burning logs.

  3. The cowboy poked the campfire with a rusty poker.

  4. Poker requires both skill and luck.

  5. Don’t poker the embers too aggressively, or sparks will fly.