poker

word

/ˈpoʊkɝ/
POH-kur
/pˈəʊkɐ/
POH-kuh

Definition

A card game in which players bet money or chips based on the cards they have and on what they think other players have. It also refers to the general family of related card games such as Texas Hold'em.

Usage & Nuances

Usually treated as an uncountable game name: 'play poker,' not usually 'play a poker.' Common collocations: 'poker table,' 'poker chips,' 'poker face,' 'online poker.' 'Poker face' is also a very common idiom meaning an expression that hides your feelings.

Example Sentences

They play poker on Friday nights.

basic

My uncle taught me how to play poker.

basic

She won a lot of money in a poker game.

basic

I don't really understand poker, but I love watching the bluffing.

natural

We stayed up all night playing poker in his kitchen.

natural

He talks big, but once the poker starts, he gets nervous fast.

natural