English Reference
noun

hooker

n.
US /ˈhʊkɝ/ UK /hˈʊkɐ/ hook·er UK spelling hookers

  1. 01 C1 Advanced SlangVulgarAmerican English

    a slang word for a prostitute.

    a slang term for a prostitute, often considered derogatory or vulgar.

    Simple

    The movie was about a young woman working as a hooker on the streets of New York.

    In context

    Sociologists argue that the term hooker reflects a historical stigmatization of sex work that persists in contemporary urban slang.

    prostitutesex worker
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Sport

    a player in the middle of the front row in rugby who uses their feet to get the ball.

    the player in the centre of the front row of the scrum who attempts to hook the ball backward with the foot.

    Simple

    The hooker won the ball quickly during the first scrum of the match.

    In context

    Modern rugby requires the hooker to be not only a strong scrummager but also an accurate thrower during line-outs.

    number 2
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency TechnicalDialect Science

    a small, traditional fishing boat.

    a small commercial fishing vessel, particularly a traditional sailing boat used in Ireland or the Netherlands.

    Simple

    We saw an old wooden hooker sailing near the coast of Galway.

    In context

    The Galway hooker is a distinctive sailing craft developed for the strong seas of the Atlantic coast of Ireland.

    fishing boatvessel
  4. 04 C1 Advanced InformalHumorous

    a person who makes things using a crochet hook.

    an individual who engages in the craft of crochet.

    Simple

    She is a talented hooker who makes beautiful blankets for her friends.

    In context

    Within the online crafting community, many hobbyists jokingly refer to themselves as hookers to highlight their dedication to crochet.

    crocheter
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated