Definitions
01a long support or rod
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. A long, thin, rounded piece of wood, metal, or plastic used to support something like a tent or a flag.
n. A long, slender, cylindrical piece of wood, metal, or other material, typically used as a structural support, a tool for propulsion, or a mast.
“We used a long wooden pole to hold up the tent.”
“The utility company replaced the damaged telephone pole after the storm caused a power outage.”
Usage
Often used with materials like wood, metal, or bamboo.
02geographical extremities
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Science Technical
n. One of the two points at the very top or bottom of the Earth, known as the North Pole and the South Pole.
n. Either of the two points on the surface of a sphere or celestial body that are the northern and southern ends of its axis of rotation.
“It is extremely cold at the North Pole.”
“Explorers faced treacherous conditions while attempting to reach the South Pole on foot.”
Usage
Usually capitalized when referring to the North or South Pole.
Antonyms
03magnetic or electrical terminals
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Technical
n. One of the two ends of a magnet or a battery where the electricity or force is strongest.
n. Each of the two terminal points of a magnet, electric battery, or other source of magnetism or electricity.
“The positive pole of the battery is marked with a plus sign.”
“Opposite magnetic poles attract each other while like poles repel.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of physics and electronics.
04extreme opposites
C1 · Advanced Countable noun FORMULA 1 Formal
n. One of two completely different ideas, opinions, or qualities.
n. Either of two opposing qualities, opinions, or states of being, representing extreme ends of a spectrum.
Español:polo
“The two brothers are at opposite poles when it comes to politics.”
“The debate highlighted the two poles of thought regarding economic reform.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'poles apart'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
05a person from Poland
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Formal
n. A person who comes from Poland.
n. A native or inhabitant of Poland, or a person of Polish descent.
“My neighbor is a Pole who moved here three years ago.”
“The local community center offers resources for every resident, including a large number of Poles.”
Usage
Always capitalized as a proper noun.
Synonyms
06racing starting position
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Business Technical
n. The best starting position on the inside of the front row in a car race.
n. The most favorable position at the inside of the front row at the start of a racing event, typically earned by the fastest qualifying time.
“The driver was happy to start the race on pole.”
“Securing the pole position gave the driver a significant tactical advantage for the first corner.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'on pole' or 'pole position'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
07to move a boat
C2 · Proficiency Technical
v. To move a boat through shallow water by pushing against the bottom with a long stick.
v. To propel a boat or raft by using a pole to push against the bed of a body of water.
“We had to pole the small boat through the shallow marshes.”
“The guide demonstrated how to pole the punt along the riverbed with minimal effort.”
Usage
Primarily used in the context of shallow-water navigation.
08vulgar slang for penis
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Informal
n. A slang word for a penis.
n. A vulgar, informal anatomical reference to the penis.
“The movie contained a crude joke about a pole.”
“The script was criticized for its reliance on low-brow humor involving the word pole.”
Usage
Highly informal and potentially offensive; avoid in professional settings.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pole” in context.
Verb
01. secure pole position
“The driver managed to secure pole position after a record-breaking qualifying lap.”
verb + adj + noun
02. vault over the pole
“The athlete cleared the bar with ease as he vaulted over the pole.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
03. magnetic pole
“The compass needle points toward the Earth's magnetic pole.”
adj + noun
04. poles apart
“Despite being twins, their political views are poles apart.”
adj + prep
Noun
05. totem pole
“The indigenous community carved a magnificent totem pole to honor their ancestors.”
noun + noun
06. utility pole
“A car crashed into a utility pole, causing a power outage across the neighborhood.”
noun + noun
Preposition
07. at the south pole
“Scientists conduct climate research at the South Pole during the summer months.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“Max Verstappen takes his and Red Bull's first pole position of 2026 with an imperious performance in qualifying at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton.” “The polar vortex is taking shape over the North Pole, and it is starting the season stronger than normal.” “Night lasts about two Earth weeks , and at the poles, only a few ridges stay lit for long stretches.” “As the first pole raised in Gwaii Haanas in more than 130 years, it also bridges time, connecting the ancient poles in SG̱ang Gwaay Llnagaay with a future rooted in Haida law, language and leadership.” Etymology
From Middle English pole, pal, from Old English pāl (“a pole, stake, post; a kind of hoe or spade”), from Proto-West Germanic pāl (“pole”), from Latin pālus (“stake, pale, prop, stay”), perhaps from Old Latin paxlos, from Proto-Italic pākslos, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European peh₂ǵ- (“to nail, fasten”). Doublet of peel, pale, and palus. Cognates Cognate with Scots pale, paill (“stake, pale”), North Frisian pul, pil (“stake, pale”), Saterland Frisian Pool (“pole”), West Frisian poal (“pole”), Dutch paal (“pole”), German Pfahl (“pile, stake, post, pole”), Danish pæl (“pole”), Swedish påle (“pole”), Icelandic páll (“hoe, spade, pale”), Old English fæc (“space of time, while, division, interval; lustrum”).
From Middle French pole, pôle, from Latin polus, from Ancient Greek πόλος (pólos, “axis of rotation”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/pole
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0