poker

1 of 2

noun (1)

pok·​er ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio)
: one that pokes
especially : a metal rod for stirring a fire

poker

2 of 2

noun (2)

po·​ker ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio)
: any of several card games in which a player bets that the value of his or her hand is greater than that of the hands held by others, in which each subsequent player must either equal or raise the bet or drop out, and in which the player holding the highest hand at the end of the betting wins the pot

Illustration of poker

Illustration of poker
  • 1 five of a kind
  • 2 royal flush
  • 3 straight flush
  • 4 four of a kind
  • 5 full house
  • 6 flush
  • 7 straight
  • 8 three of a kind
  • 9 two pair
  • 10 one pair

Examples of poker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Chips and cards are provided, and ongoing open poker play will be available for beginners. Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025 The five-bedroom, seven-bath retreat features sweeping ocean views, a swimming pool, and a poker and cigar room. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2025 Writer-director Dean Imperial loses on such a gamble with his tedious feature debut, which tracks an unhinged night of escapades between a bunch of poker buddies. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025 In his now notorious news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump offered the image of a poker match or, less grand, a game of war. Harvey Young, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poker

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

probably modification of French poque, a card game similar to poker

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1534, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poker was in 1534

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Poker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poker. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

poker

1 of 2 noun
pok·​er ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio)
: one that pokes
especially : a metal rod for stirring a fire

poker

2 of 2 noun
po·​ker ˈpō-kər How to pronounce poker (audio)
: a card game in which a player bets on the value of his or her hand

More from Merriam-Webster on poker

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!