English Reference
noun · verb

hook

n. · v.
US /ˈhʊk/ UK /hˈʊk/ hook

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a curved piece of metal or plastic used for hanging, holding, or pulling things.

    n.a curved device, typically made of metal or other rigid material, designed for catching, pulling, or suspending an object.

    Simple

    He hung his heavy winter coat on the hook behind the door.

    In context

    The heavy-duty steel hook was bolted securely to the ceiling to support the weight of the punching bag.

    fastenerpeghanger
  2. 02 A2 Elementary Sport

    n.a small, sharp piece of metal used to catch fish.

    n.a barbed metal device used in angling to pierce the mouth of a fish.

    Simple

    The fisherman put a worm on the hook and threw the line into the water.

    In context

    The angler carefully removed the hook from the trout's lip before releasing the fish back into the stream.

    fishhook
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.something interesting at the start of a story, song, or movie that makes you want to keep watching or listening.

    n.a compelling opening or recurring motif in a creative work designed to capture and maintain the audience's interest.

    Simple

    The song has a great hook that stays in your head all day.

    In context

    The first chapter of the novel provides a powerful hook that immediately immerses the reader in the protagonist's dilemma.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    v.to fasten or join two things together using a hook or a link.

    v.to attach, fasten, or connect objects by means of a hook or similar coupling device.

    Simple

    She hooked the trailer to the back of the car before the trip.

    In context

    The technician hooked the diagnostic equipment to the engine to monitor the performance during the test run.

    unhookdisconnect
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    v.to make someone very interested in something or addicted to it.

    v.to captivate or fascinate someone completely; often used in the passive voice to describe addiction or intense interest.

    Simple

    I was hooked on that TV show after watching just one episode.

    In context

    The documentary's shocking opening sequence hooked the viewers, ensuring they would stay tuned for the entire series.

    captivateenthralladdict
  6. 06 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    n.a place in a computer program where a programmer can add their own code to change how it works.

    n.a programming interface that allows a developer to intercept or augment the standard behaviour of a software system.

    Simple

    The developer used a hook to add a custom button to the app.

    In context

    The framework provides several lifecycle hooks that allow developers to execute logic at specific stages of the component's rendering process.

All you need to get started is a hook and a ball of yarn.

BBC News· 21 Aug 2026

You can probably sing the hook off the top of your head.

BBC News· 26 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated