What is pocket? Pronunciation and usage in English

pocket means . Learn how to pronounce and use pocket through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of pocket

pocketnoun

/ˈpɒkɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of pocket

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "pocket" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and both are correct!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (Generally American English):

  • Poh-ket
    • Poh: Like the "oh" in "go" or "toe."
    • Ket: Like the short "e" in "bed" or "set."

2. A More Traditional Pronunciation (Often heard in British English):

  • Pok-et
    • Pok: Like "sock" but with a slightly shorter vowel sound.
    • Et: Like the “et” in “met”.

Here’s a breakdown to help you:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("Poh" or "Pok").

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Which one should you use?

Both are accepted, but the "Poh-ket" pronunciation is overwhelmingly more common in American English. If you’re speaking to an American, it's generally best to go with that. If you’re speaking to a British person, you can confidently use "Pok-et."

Would you like me to:

  • Provide a phonetic transcription of the word?
  • Compare both pronunciations in more detail?

Usage and examples with the word pocket in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pocket" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Pockets (Most Common)

  • As a noun (a place to hold things): This is the most common usage.
    • "I put my keys in my pocket." (A small space in clothing.)
    • "She had a pocket in her skirt for carrying lipstick."
    • "There's a loose pocket on this jacket."
    • "He reached into his pocket for his wallet."

2. Figurative Pockets (Metaphorical Meanings)

  • A Reserve of Money: This is a very frequent figurative use.

    • “He’s got a pocket of money saved for a rainy day.” (A small amount saved.)
    • “The company has a pocket of profits after the expansion.” (A small profit surplus.)
    • “They’re trying to create a pocket of affordable housing in the city.” (A small area with low-cost housing).

  • A Small Area or Space (Figurative): Can refer to any limited space or area, not necessarily physical.

    • “There’s a pocket of resistance against the new law.” (A small group opposing the law.)
    • “The restaurant opened a pocket of outdoor seating.” (A small, separate outdoor area).
    • “The city has a pocket of historic buildings tucked away.” (A small area with historical buildings).

3. "Pocket" as a Verb (To Put Something Away)

  • To put something small into a pocket:

    • “She pocketed the business card.” (She secretly put it in her pocket.)
    • “He pocketed the bribe.” (He secretly received and kept the money.) (This has a negative connotation – it implies dishonesty.)

  • To conceal or hide something: (Similar to "pocket" as a verb)

    • “Don’t pocket the results of the game.” (Don’t secretly keep the results.)

4. "Pocket" as an Adjective (Relating to a Pocket)

  • Describing something related to pockets:
    • “Pocket-sized” (small enough to fit in a pocket).
    • “Pocket-friendly” (affordable or suitable for a small budget).

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Part of Speech Example
Physical Pocket Noun "Put your phone in your pocket."
Money Reserve Noun "He has a pocket of savings."
Fig. Small Space Noun "There's a pocket of trees behind the house."
To Put Away Verb "She pocketed the receipt."
To Conceal Verb "He pocketed the evidence."
Relating to Pocket Adjective "A pocket-sized book."

Tips for Using "Pocket" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "pocket" is almost always clear from the context of the sentence.
  • Be mindful of "pocketed": When used as a verb, “pocketed” often implies secrecy or dishonesty.

Can you give me an example sentence you’d like me to analyze, or a specific situation where you’re unsure how to use “pocket”? That will help me give you more tailored advice.

Synonyms for the word pocket

Idioms of the word pocket

be/live in each other’s pockets
(British English)if two people are or live in each other’s pockets, they are too close to each other or spend too much time with each other
    be in somebody’s pocket
    to be controlled or strongly influenced by somebody
      burn a hole in your pocket
      if money burns a hole in your pocket, you want to spend it as soon as you have it
        dip into your pocket
        (informal)to spend some of your own money on something
        • She was forced to dip into her own pocket to pay for the repairs.
        have somebody in your pocket
        to have influence or power over somebody, for example, a police officer or a politician, especially by threatening them or by offering them money
          have something in your pocket
          to be certain to win something
            in/out of pocket
            (especially British English)having gained/lost money as a result of something
            • We're in pocket on that deal.
            • That one mistake left him thousands of pounds out of pocket.
            line your (own)/somebody’s pockets
            to get richer or make somebody richer, especially by taking unfair advantage of a situation or by being dishonest
            • Health services are lining the drug companies’ pockets, according to the report.
            pick somebody’s pocket
            to steal something from somebody’s pocket without them noticing
            • The back pocket on a pair of jeans is the easiest one to pick.
            put your hand in your pocket
            (British English)to spend money or give it to somebody
            • I've heard he doesn't like putting his hand in his pocket.

            Practice with vocabulary pocket

            Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

            1. The sales representative kept his business cards in his jacket ____.
            2. The company's deep financial ____ allowed them to acquire several smaller competitors.
            3. Please store the sensitive documents in the locked filing ____.
            4. She quickly pulled out her ____ to pay for the coffee.

            Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

            1. Which of the following is a small bag sewn into clothing, often used to carry small items? a) Sleeve b) Collar c) Pocket d) Hem

            2. If a company has "deep pockets," what does this typically imply about its financial situation? a) It has a lot of debt. b) It has significant financial resources. c) It invests in environmentally friendly initiatives. d) It has a very small marketing budget.

            3. In a negotiation, if one party has the other "in their pocket," what does it mean? a) They have physically placed the other party in their clothing. b) They have undue influence or control over the other party. c) They are keeping the other party's personal belongings safe. d) They are secretly collaborating with the other party against someone else.

            4. Which of these is a small, portable case, often made of leather, used to carry paper money, credit cards, and identification? a) Briefcase b) Backpack c) Wallet d) Portfolio

            5. What is a separate, enclosed space within a larger structure, often used for storage? a) Expanse b) Void c) Compartment d) Abyss

            Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

            1. The company possesses extensive financial resources, allowing it to undertake ambitious projects. Rewrite using "pocket":
            2. He discreetly slipped the small note into the internal compartment of his jacket. Rewrite using "pocket":
            3. The diplomat stored her important travel documents in a small, secure container designed for such items. Rewrite without using "pocket":

            Answer:

            Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

            1. pocket
            2. pocket
            3. cabinet / drawer
            4. wallet / purse

            Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

            1. c) Pocket
            2. b) It has significant financial resources.
            3. b) They have undue influence or control over the other party.
            4. c) Wallet
            5. c) Compartment

            Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

            1. The company has deep pockets, allowing it to undertake ambitious projects.
            2. He discreetly slipped the small note into his jacket pocket.
            3. The diplomat stored her important travel documents in a small, secure pouch.

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