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)
b
5
: a place for a batten made by sewing a strip on a sail
6
a
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
pocketed; pocketing; pockets
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
Synonyms
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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
Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
The front slanted pockets and back zip pocket can carry wallets, shades, and phones.
—Jaclyn Trop, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024
Henry Flynn, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Several reasons stand out: The Dodgers' owners can pocket the deferred money owed to Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Smith, Snell, and now Tommy Edman, invest it in one of their preferred vehicles, and have more money to pay their players when the checks come due.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024
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 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
And fortunately, a lot of the bells and whistles never came into play since people kept getting voted out with idols in their pockets or were unable to find idols and advantages that were hidden (literally) right underneath them.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
The front slanted pockets and back zip pocket can carry wallets, shades, and phones.
—Jaclyn Trop, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
On top of the money earned from competing, gaining points, and making the latter rounds, winning the final again would pocket a handy €25 million ($26 million).
—Henry Flynn, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Several reasons stand out: The Dodgers' owners can pocket the deferred money owed to Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Smith, Snell, and now Tommy Edman, invest it in one of their preferred vehicles, and have more money to pay their players when the checks come due.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 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
Dictionary Entries Near pocket
Cite this Entry
“Pocket.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pocket. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pock·et
ˈpäk-ət 
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
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
pock·et
ˈpäk-ət
: a small cavity or space
especially
: an abnormal cavity formed in diseased tissue
a gingival pocket
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