Pole: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "pole" in other languages:

🇵🇹 campo

🇮🇳 क्षेत्र

🇩🇪 Feld

🇮🇩 lapangan

🇺🇦 поле

🇵🇱 pole

🇯🇵 フィールド

🇫🇷 champ

🇪🇸 campo

🇹🇷 alan

🇰🇷 들판

🇸🇦 حقل

🇨🇿 pole

🇸🇰 pole

🇨🇳 田

🇸🇮 polje

🇮🇸 völlur

🇰🇿 алаң

🇬🇪 ველი

🇦🇿 sahə

🇲🇽 campo

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.

...
4391 scattering
4392 liquor
4393 promoted
4394 pole
4395 emotion
4396 commit
4397 lately
...