1 B1 informal
To protrude or stick out from a surface or the edge of something
"A corner of the treasure map was poking out from under the old chest."
poke out
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To extend or project out from a surface or container, or to push something outward through an opening
In plain English
To stick out from somewhere, or to push something out through a hole
What does "poke out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To push or extend something out through an opening
"The dog poked its nose out through the gap in the fence and sniffed the air."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To poke something in an outward direction
Actually means
To stick out from somewhere, or to push something out through a hole
Usage tip
Very common in informal English. Used to describe both things that protrude naturally (a label poking out of a collar) and deliberate actions of pushing something through an opening. Can also mean to put out one's tongue or a finger.
Words that pair with "poke out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tongue finger label wire head ear
How to conjugate "poke out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
poke out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pokes out
he/she/it
Past simple
poked out
yesterday
Past participle
poked out
have + pp
-ing form
poking out
continuous
Hear "poke out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "poke out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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