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Pole Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pole

[poʊl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fishing

A long, slender piece of wood or metal used for support or propulsion, especially in fishing.

Synonyms

bar, rod, stick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pole

For supporting structures, or in sports.

  • The flag is waving high on the pole.
  • The athlete used a pole to vault over the bar.
rod

For thin, straight, and often cylindrical objects, commonly used for tools or fishing.

  • He cast his line with a fishing rod.
  • The metal rod supports the structure of the tower.
stick

For thin, long pieces of wood or similar materials, often found in nature or used for simple tools.

  • He found a stick on the ground to use as a walking aid.
  • The dog fetched the stick from the yard.
bar

For long, straight, rigid objects, often used in settings like crossbars in gymnastics or metal bars in construction.

  • She balanced on the bar during her gymnastics routine.
  • They secured the gate with a metal bar.

Examples of usage

  • He used a pole to push the boat away from the dock.
  • She cast her line into the water with a fishing pole.
Context #2 | Noun

geography

A fixed point used for navigation or surveying.

Synonyms

marker, point, post.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pole

Refers to a long, thin object made of typically metal or wood, used to support something or as a landmark.

  • He used a pole to prop up the tent.
  • The flag was hoisted on a tall pole.
point

Can refer to a specific place or precise location, often used in discussions, maps, or presentations.

  • She made a valid point during the meeting.
  • Can you point to the exact place on the map where we should go?
marker

Used to indicate a specific position, often temporary or functional, in various contexts like sports, navigation, and writing.

  • He placed a marker on the ground to indicate where to measure.
  • Use a marker to highlight important points in the document.
post

Typically a sturdy, vertical object in the ground, used for support, marking positions, or as part of a structure.

  • The fence is secured to sturdy wooden posts.
  • A sign was nailed to a post at the entrance.

Examples of usage

  • The North Pole is located at the northernmost point of the Earth.
  • The surveyor marked the boundary with a pole.
Context #3 | Verb

push or propel with a pole

To push or propel (something) with a pole.

Synonyms

propel, push, shove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pole

Refers to the extremities of a planet like North Pole or South Pole. Commonly used in geography or environmental studies.

  • Scientists are studying climate change at the North Pole.
  • Santa Claus is said to live at the North Pole.
push

To apply force to move something or someone away from oneself. Commonly used in everyday physical actions and also metaphorically.

  • She had to push the door to open it.
  • His friends pushed him to apply for the job.
propel

To drive or push something forward, often with a lot of force or energy. Used in technical, mechanical, and motivational contexts.

  • The boat is propelled by powerful engines.
  • His ambition propelled him to the top of the corporate ladder.
shove

To push someone or something in a rough or aggressive manner. Often has a negative connotation.

  • He shoved the boxes aside to make space.
  • She was shoved aside in the crowded subway.

Examples of usage

  • He poled the boat along the river.
  • She poled the raft through the shallow water.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, 'pole' can refer to the polar ends of a magnet, where the magnetic field is strongest.
  • In geography, the Earth's North and South Poles are crucial for navigation and climate studies.
  • A 'pole' in sports can refer to the high jump pole used by athletes to clear heights.

Architecture

  • Poles are essential in construction, often used in scaffolding to support buildings during construction.
  • Utility poles provide support for power lines and communications, linking urban areas with energy.
  • Tensile architecture often uses tensioned cables around poles to create stunning shapes in buildings.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, flagpoles symbolize nationalism and pride, especially during national holidays.
  • Traditions like the Maypole dance in Europe celebrate spring and the joy of life, with dancers weaving flowers around a tall pole.
  • In some Indigenous cultures, totem poles tell stories and commemorate family lineage and important events.

Sport

  • In pole vaulting, athletes sprint and jump over a high bar using a flexible pole, showcasing strength and technique.
  • Pole dancing has evolved into a popular fitness and performance art, combining dance and acrobatics.
  • The use of poles in sports like skiing or hiking adds balance and stability for better performance.

Origin of 'pole'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Old Norse word 'pollr', which refers to a more rounded object or hill.
  • In Latin, 'pālum' means a stake or a pole, showing that the concept has been around for a long time.
  • The modern use began in the 14th century, where it broadened to refer to various types of long, upright objects.

The word 'pole' comes from the Old English 'pal' which referred to a stake or post. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include a long, slender piece of wood or metal used for various purposes. In fishing, a pole is commonly used to support or propel a boat. In geography, a pole can refer to a fixed point used for navigation or surveying. The verb form of 'pole' involves pushing or propelling something with a pole, such as poled boats or rafts. The word has a long history dating back to Old English and has evolved to have various meanings and uses in different contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,394, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.