# pouch

/ˈpaʊtʃ/ (US) · /pˈaʊtʃ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pouch
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a small bag or pocket that is part of something else. You might see this on a piece of clothing or as a part of an animal's body, like a kangaroo.

For teachers: a small bag-like container or flexible pocket, often integrated into a larger object or organism. In biological contexts, refers to a pocket of skin for carrying young or storing food.

## Examples

- The kangaroo carries its baby in a pouch.
- He kept his tobacco in a small leather pouch that he carried in his jacket pocket.
- The specialized cheek pouch of the hamster allows it to transport significant quantities of forage back to its burrow, ensuring a stable food supply during leaner periods.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in both anatomical and functional contexts to describe any small, flexible enclosure.

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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.