pore

1 of 2

verb

ˈpȯr 

pored; poring

intransitive verb

1

: to gaze intently

2

: to read or study attentively

—usually used with over

3

: to reflect or meditate steadily

pore

2 of 2

noun

1

: a minute opening especially in an animal or plant

especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane

2

: a small interstice (as in soil) admitting absorption or passage of liquid

pored

ˈpȯrd 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• contemplate
• ponder
• consider
• debate
• entertain
• study
• think (about or over)
• mull (over)
• eye
• question
• wrestle (with)
• weigh

Examples of pore in a Sentence

Verb

the committee will probably pore over the results of the study for a long time before making their decision

he pored over the textbook for hours in preparation for the test

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

However, with the high-profile sweepstakes happening for the Fed chair slot, maintaining that veneer could be more difficult, and investors likely will pore through the minutes for any appearance that politicking is exacting a toll on policy. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025

Aside from the headline number, markets will pore through the report for the source of hiring. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 31 July 2025

Noun

For starters, a gentle facial cleanser should be used at night to wash off sweat, grime, air pollutants and anything that could clog pores and cause acne. —Khanh T.l. Tran, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

This Bubble sunscreen is gentle on sensitive and acne-prone skin and won’t clog pores. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English pouren

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin porus, from Greek poros passage, pore — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pore

• pore fungus
• pore over

Rhymes for pore

• boar
• boer
• bore
• chore
• cor
• core
• corps
• crore
• door
• drawer
• floor
• flor

Kids Definition

pore

1 of 2 verb

ˈpō(ə)r 

ˈpȯ(ə)r

pored; poring

: to read with great attention : study

pore over a book

pore

2 of 2 noun

: a tiny opening or space (as in the skin or the soil)

pored

ˈpō(ə)rd

ˈpȯ(ə)rd

adjective

Medical Definition

pore

noun

ˈpō(ə)r, ˈpȯ(ə)r 

: a minute opening especially in an animal or plant

especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane