# hook

/ˈhʊk/ (US) · /hˈʊk/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. curved tool

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. fishing

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. attention-grabber

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to connect

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to captivate

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- 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.

### 7. computing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The song has a really great hook.
- The producer said the chorus needed a stronger hook to become a radio hit.
- A compelling narrative hook in the first chapter is essential for grabbing the reader's attention and convincing them to invest in the story.

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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.