1 B1 idiomatic informal
To search through a place or collection of objects casually and out of curiosity
"I spent the afternoon poking around the flea market and found some fascinating old maps."
poke around
B1 informal intransitive
To explore or search a place or situation casually, often out of curiosity or to find information
In plain English
To look around somewhere by moving things and checking different spots to see what you can find
What does "poke around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To investigate a situation or organization, often without official permission or a clear goal
"Journalists began poking around in the politician's financial dealings, which made his team very nervous."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To poke things in different spots all around a space
Actually means
To look around somewhere by moving things and checking different spots to see what you can find
Usage tip
Very common in informal British and American English. Can be physical (searching through objects in a room) or digital (browsing through files or a website). Can have a slightly negative connotation of nosiness but is often neutral or playful.
Words that pair with "poke around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
house attic internet files market drawer website town
How to conjugate "poke around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
poke around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pokes around
he/she/it
Past simple
poked around
yesterday
Past participle
poked around
have + pp
-ing form
poking around
continuous
Hear "poke around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "poke around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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