Word
hook
Phoneticshook
US/ˈhʊk/
UK/hˈʊk/
Definitions
01curved tool
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
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.
“He hung his heavy winter coat on the hook behind the door.”
“The heavy-duty steel hook was bolted securely to the ceiling to support the weight of the punching bag.”
02fishing
A2 · Elementary Countable noun Sports
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.
“The fisherman put a worm on the hook and threw the line into the water.”
“The angler carefully removed the hook from the trout's lip before releasing the fish back into the stream.”
Synonyms
03attention-grabber
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
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.
“The song has a great hook that stays in your head all day.”
“The first chapter of the novel provides a powerful hook that immediately immerses the reader in the protagonist's dilemma.”
Synonyms
04to connect
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.
“She hooked the trailer to the back of the car before the trip.”
“The technician hooked the diagnostic equipment to the engine to monitor the performance during the test run.”
Antonyms
05to captivate
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.
Español:enganchar
“I was hooked on that TV show after watching just one episode.”
“The documentary's shocking opening sequence hooked the viewers, ensuring they would stay tuned for the entire series.”
Synonyms
06computing
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
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.
“The developer used a hook to add a custom button to the app.”
“The framework provides several lifecycle hooks that allow developers to execute logic at specific stages of the component's rendering process.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “hook” in context.
Verb
01. create a hook for the story
“She struggled to create a hook for the story that would immediately grab the editor's attention.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
02. provide a hook
“The first chapter must provide a hook to keep the readers interested in the mystery.”
verb + noun
03. write a catchy hook
“The songwriter spent hours trying to write a catchy hook that people would hum all day.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
04. effective hook
“The advertisement used an effective hook to persuade customers to try the new app.”
adj + noun
05. musical hook
“The track relies on a simple musical hook played on a synthesizer.”
adj + noun
06. narrative hook
“A strong narrative hook at the beginning of a novel is essential for commercial success.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. hook of the song
“The hook of the song is so repetitive that it stays in your head for days.”
noun + of + noun
Usage
Commonly used in phrases like 'the hook of the song' or modified by adjectives such as 'catchy' or 'memorable'.
Real-World Examples
“All you need to get started is a hook and a ball of yarn.” “You can probably sing the hook off the top of your head.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
PHRASAL VERB
Related words
Idioms
The word in film
Poster: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
The Hook · 1963 · War
- Directed by:
- George Seaton
- Starring:
- Kirk Douglas, Robert Walker Jr., Nick Adams
George Seaton directs this intense Korean War drama starring Kirk Douglas as an authoritarian sergeant ordered to execute a captured enemy pilot aboard a freighter. The title references the heavy shipboard cargo hook that swings above the deck, while symbolizing the inescapable moral trap constricting the soldiers.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/hook
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0