# cork

/ˈkɔɹk/ (US) · /kˈɔːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cork
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the material

noun · CEFR B1

a light, soft material that comes from the bark of a specific type of oak tree.

For teachers: the buoyant, light, and waterproof bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber), used for various industrial and domestic purposes.

- The floor in the kitchen is made of cork because it feels warm and soft under your feet.
- The unique cellular structure of cork makes it an ideal material for thermal insulation and soundproofing in modern sustainable architecture.

### 2. a bottle stopper

noun · CEFR B1

a small, round piece of wood or plastic used to close a bottle, especially a wine bottle.

For teachers: a cylindrical stopper made of cork or a synthetic substitute, used to seal a bottle.

- He pulled the cork out of the wine bottle with a loud pop.
- The sommelier carefully inspected the cork for signs of mould or dryness before pouring the vintage wine for the guests.

### 3. fishing float

noun · CEFR B2

a small object that floats on water to show a fisherman where his line is.

For teachers: a float used in angling to keep a baited hook at a desired depth and to signal a fish's bite.

- The boy watched his cork bobbing on the surface of the lake, waiting for a fish to bite.
- Traditional anglers often prefer natural cork floats over plastic alternatives for their superior buoyancy and classic aesthetic.

### 4. to seal a bottle

verb · CEFR B2

to close a bottle by putting a cork or stopper in it.

For teachers: to seal a container, typically a bottle, using a cork or similar stopper.

- After the wine is bottled, machines cork the bottles and label them for sale.
- The winery uses an automated system to cork thousands of bottles per hour, ensuring an airtight seal for every vintage.

### 5. city in Ireland

noun · CEFR B1

a large city and county in the south of Ireland.

For teachers: the second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the administrative centre of County Cork.

- We spent three days in Cork and enjoyed the famous English Market.
- As a major maritime hub, Cork has historically played a vital role in Ireland's international trade and shipping industries.

Usage: Always capitalized when referring to the geographical location.

## Examples

- He pulled the cork out of the wine bottle.
- The designer chose to use natural cork for the office flooring because it is sustainable and absorbs sound well.
- Harvested primarily in Mediterranean regions, the thick bark is stripped from the tree every nine years without causing permanent damage, making cork a highly renewable resource for industrial applications.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.