# pike

/ˈpaɪk/ (US) · /pˈaɪk/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a fish

noun · CEFR B2

a large freshwater fish with a long body and sharp teeth that eats other fish.

For teachers: any carnivorous freshwater fish of the genus Esox, characterized by a long, slender body and a pointed snout.

- The fisherman caught a massive pike in the lake behind his house.
- Anglers often prize the northern pike for its aggressive strike and the significant challenge it presents during the retrieval.

### 2. a weapon

noun · CEFR C1 · Archaic

a very long spear used by soldiers in the past to fight against horses.

For teachers: a historical infantry weapon consisting of a long wooden shaft with a pointed steel head, primarily used to repel cavalry.

- The museum displayed rows of pikes used by soldiers in the 17th century.
- The infantry formed a defensive square, their pikes bristling outward to prevent the enemy cavalry from breaking their line.

### 3. a road

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a main road, especially one that people used to pay a fee to use.

For teachers: a major road or highway; a clipping of 'turnpike', originally referring to a toll road.

- We took the pike all the way to the city to avoid the small towns.
- Commuters were delayed for hours following a multi-vehicle accident on the massachusetts pike during the height of the morning rush.

### 4. a diving position

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a position in diving or gymnastics where you bend at the waist and keep your legs straight.

For teachers: a body position in sports such as diving or gymnastics where the hips are fully flexed while the knees remain straight.

- The diver performed a perfect pike before entering the water.
- The judges awarded high marks for the athlete's execution of the triple somersault in the pike position.

### 5. a mountain peak

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Dialect

a hill or mountain with a sharp top.

For teachers: a hill or mountain, particularly one characterized by a sharp or prominent summit.

- We hiked to the top of the pike to see the view of the valley.
- Scafell Pike remains one of the most popular destinations for hikers attempting the Three Peaks Challenge in the United Kingdom.

### 6. to quit or back out

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal · Dialect

to fail to do something you promised to do, or to leave early.

For teachers: to withdraw from a commitment or social engagement; to fail to follow through on a promise.

- Don't pike on us at the last minute; we really need you for the team.
- He promised to help with the move, but he piked out at the last second, leaving us to carry the furniture alone.

Usage: often used with 'on' or 'out'.

Teaching tip: This sense is primarily used in Australian and New Zealand English; learners should use 'flake' or 'bail' in other regions.

## Examples

- The soldiers stood in a line holding their pikes.
- The infantry formed a defensive square, pointing their pikes outward to prevent the cavalry from breaking their line.
- Museum displays of late medieval weaponry often feature pikes exceeding fifteen feet in length, illustrating the specialized training required to maneuver such cumbersome implements in the heat of battle.

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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.