Pole

Definition

Pole primarily refers to a long, slender, round piece of wood or metal, typically used as a support or as a means of suspension.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /poʊl/
• Respelling: POHL (with "POHL" as in "pole")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pəʊl/
• Respelling: POHL (similar to American English, with "POHL" as in "pole")

In both dialects, "pole" is pronounced with a single, stressed syllable. The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear, long "o" sound in "POHL." This is identical to the pronunciation of "poll," demonstrating how these two words are homophones in English.

Etymology

Derived from the Old English word "pāl", which means "stake", "pole", "post", and is related to the Latin word "palus", which means "stake".

Derivatives

• Polecat
• Polestar
• Poleward
• Pole-vault
• Poling

Synonyms

• Rod
• Staff
• Stake

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "pole" can refer to a variety of long, slender objects, often used for support, balance, or propulsion. It is also associated with geographical directions, as in the North and South Poles.

Related Terms

• Beam
• Shaft
• Stick
• Post
• Mast

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A long, slender, usually rounded piece of wood, metal, or other material, used as a support, barrier, or signpost.
• Example: "A flag waved on the pole."

• The extremities of the Earth's rotational axis, namely the North Pole and South Pole.
• Example: "Explorers journeyed to the South Pole."

• A long, flat piece of equipment used to propel a boat in shallow waters.
• Example: "The gondolier used a pole to move through the canal."

• An electrical terminal with two opposite attributes, positive and negative.
• Example: "Check the positive and negative poles of the battery."

Verb

• To propel a boat or other vessel with a pole, especially in shallow waters.
• Example: "She poled the raft down the stream."

• To support or hold up something with or as if with a pole.
• Example: "He poled the fruit off the tree with a long stick."