pocket

1 of 3

noun

pock·​et ˈpä-kət How to pronounce pocket (audio)
1
a
: a small bag carried by a person : purse
b
: a small bag that is sewed or inserted in a garment so that it is open at the top or side
coat pocket
2
: supply of money : means
3
: receptacle, container: such as
a
: an opening at the corner or side of a billiard table
b
: a superficial pouch in some animals
4
: a small often isolated area or group
pockets of unemployment
:
a
: a cavity containing a deposit (as of gold, water, or gas)
5
: a place for a batten made by sewing a strip on a sail
6
b
: the position of a contestant in a race hemmed in by others
c
: an area formed by blockers from which a football quarterback attempts to pass
7
: the concave area at the base of the finger sections of a baseball glove or mitt in which the ball is normally caught
pocketful noun

pocket

2 of 3

verb

pocketed; pocketing; pockets

transitive verb

1
a
: to put or enclose in or as if in one's pocket
pocketed the change
b
: to appropriate to one's own use : steal
c
: to refuse assent to (a bill) by a pocket veto
2
: to put up with : accept
3
: to set aside : suppress
pocketed his pride
4
a
: to hem in
b
: to drive (a ball) into a pocket of a pool table
5
: to cover or supply with pockets
pocketable adjective

pocket

3 of 3

adjective

1
a
: small enough to be carried in the pocket
b
: small, miniature
a pocket park
2
a
: of or relating to money
b
: carried in or paid from one's own pocket
Phrases
in one's pocket
: in one's control or possession
in pocket
1
: provided with funds
2
: in the position of having made a profit
out of pocket
1
: low on money or funds
2
: having suffered a loss
3
: from cash on hand

Examples of pocket in a Sentence

Noun He keeps his gloves in his coat pocket. She was standing there with her hands in her pockets. I have a hole in my pocket. Her pocket was full of change. There are pockets on the back of each car seat. a zippered pocket on the front of a suitcase Verb The chairman was fired for pocketing funds. The saleswoman had overcharged them and pocketed the difference. a professional golfer who pocketed more than four million dollars in winnings I had to pocket my pride and ask for some help. Adjective his pocket involvement in the company was minimal
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
This stroller boasts universal appeal with unisex colors and practical features like a spacious basket and pocket. Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 The one-size-fits-all design features side pockets and a fuzzy lining. Emma Guillen, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
With a yield like that, mainstream investors might think VZ holders have been happily pocketing payout hike after payout hike. Brett Owens, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, also alleges that Sony recently learned that CBS had entered into unauthorized deals in New Zealand and Australia, and had pocketed $3.6 million in fees. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The Vault by Vans x Nicole McLaughlin Collection includes special-edition versions of the iconic Vans Slip-On VP VR3 LX with adaptations—think canvas pockets and easy-carry heel straps—inspired by a classic multi-pocket garden tote and workwear bucket bag often used on construction job sites. Hollyanna McCollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2023 No multi-pocket backpacks or bags. Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2022 See all Example Sentences for pocket 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English poket, from Anglo-French poket, pochete, diminutive of poke, pouche bag — more at pouch

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pocket was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pocket

Cite this Entry

“Pocket.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pocket. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pocket

1 of 3 noun
pock·​et ˈpäk-ət How to pronounce pocket (audio)
1
a
: a small bag carried by a person : purse
b
: a small bag open at the top or side inserted in a garment
coat pocket
2
: supply of money : means
3
: container
especially : a bag at the corner or side of a billiard table
4
: something like a pocket
a pocket of gold in a mine
5

pocket

2 of 3 verb
1
a
: to put or enclose in a pocket
pocketed the change
b
: to take for one's own use especially dishonestly
pocket the profits
2
: to set aside : suppress
pocketed my anger
3
: to supply with pockets

pocket

3 of 3 adjective
1
a
: small enough to fit in the pocket
b
: smaller than the usual size
a pocket park
2
: carried in or paid from one's pocket
pocket expenses

Medical Definition

pocket

noun
pock·​et ˈpäk-ət How to pronounce pocket (audio)
: a small cavity or space
especially : an abnormal cavity formed in diseased tissue
a gingival pocket

More from Merriam-Webster on pocket

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!