What does pocketed mean?
Pocketed is both an adjective and the past tense and past participle of the verb pocket. As an adjective, it can describe something that has a pocket, as in a pocketed jacket, though this use is relatively uncommon. More often, pocketed is informal and means that money or resources have been set aside, as when a household is described as financially secure. In its verbal use, pocketed means that someone took possession of or retained money, profit, or an opportunity, usually discreetly or without returning it. The verb often implies personal benefit: a person pocketed the proceeds, or a business pocketed a profit. In journalism and public debate, forms such as “pocketed millions” can imply that the money was obtained unfairly or at others’ expense, although the literal meaning simply concerns keeping or receiving it. Overall, the word is associated with money and resources, especially money that is readily secured or set aside for a person's use.
Having a pocket; informally, having money or resources set aside.
"She wore a pocketed vest to keep her ticket secure."
The financial sense is informal and is more naturally expressed as “having money set aside” in formal writing.
Past tense and past participle of pocket: to keep for oneself, especially money or a profit.
"The merchant pocketed the difference between the retail and wholesale prices."
This form often suggests personal benefit and can imply unfair gain in contexts involving public money.
To pocket something is to take it into your possession—and, figuratively, to keep something safely for yourself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pocketed come from?
Pocketed derives from pocket, which entered Middle English in the late medieval period through Anglo-French forms based on Old French poche, meaning a bag or pouch. The modern suffix -ed creates both the adjective meaning “having a pocket” and the past tense and participle of the verb. Related English forms such as pocketful and pocketknife inherited the same foundational word for a small bag or pouch.
Related word forms
How pocketed is actually used
The verb form is standard in British and American English. When used adjectively in the sense of having money available, it is mainly informal; the more formal expression is money set aside or funds available.
Easily confused with pocketed
Pocket is the base form and can be a noun, verb, or adjective, whereas pocketed is specifically the adjective and the past tense or participle of the verb.