C1noun1K

Pole

UK /["/pəʊl/"]/US /["/pəʊl/"]/

Definition

a long thin straight piece of wood or metal, especially one with the end placed in the ground, used as a support

In simple words: A long, thin stick or post.

Examples

The flag was attached to a tall wooden pole in the center of the park.
The gymnast gripped the pole tightly during her routine on the apparatus.
The expedition reached the North Pole after weeks of difficult travel.
Magnetic north and south poles are crucial for compass navigation.
The utility workers climbed the electric pole to fix the power lines.
The tent was secured by hammering the poles firmly into the ground.

Usage notes

Use 'pole' when referring to a physical object, like a flagpole or a utility pole. It is less common in abstract contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a basketball pole — it's tall and thin.

Collocations

North
South
geographic
between the (two) poles of
from pole to pole
be poles apart
North
South
geographic
between the (two) poles of
from pole to pole
be poles apart
North
South
geographic
between the (two) poles of
from pole to pole
be poles apart

Synonyms

post
staff
rod
stick
column

Antonyms

hole
pit

Common mistakes

Confusing with 'poll' related to voting or surveys.
Using it incorrectly to refer to round objects instead of stick-like.
Omitting context when discussing poles, causing confusion (e.g., North vs. South Pole).