What does pole mean?
A pole is a long, slender rod, staff, or post used for support, fishing, transport, or athletic activity. It can also refer to one of the two imaginary points at the ends of the Earth's axis, conventionally called the North Pole and South Pole. In everyday speech, the word often describes a vertical structural support, such as a utility pole or telephone pole. “Pole” also functions as a verb: to pole a boat is to move it with a pole, and to pole a vault is to use a long pole to leap over a barrier. The word's geographical sense is especially prominent in discussions of polar travel, climate, and the Arctic and Antarctic. Although the basic sense is a physical rod or stake, its metaphorical uses extend to ideas that lie at opposite extremes, as in “the poles of the debate.” The word remains common and adaptable in both formal and informal contexts.
A long, slender rod, staff, or post, especially one used as a support, a fishing rod, or the rod used in a pole vault; also either of the two points at which the Earth's axis meets its surface.
"They anchored the tent between two trees and used a pole to support the awning."
When referring to the Earth's extremities, the usual forms are “the North Pole” and “the South Pole.”
To propel or support something using a pole, or to perform a pole vault.
"He poled the small boat across the quiet water until it reached the bank."
The verb is relatively specialized and is especially associated with boating and pole vaulting.
The regular plural is used for multiple rods, posts, supports, or points.
"The old utility poles stood at regular intervals along the road."
From a single wooden stake to the frozen ends of the Earth, a pole is one of the simplest words for something that reaches far in a straight line.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pole
The English noun descends from Old English pāl, meaning “stake” or “post,” borrowed from Latin palus, “stake.” The word gradually broadened from a fence stake or upright support to a general term for a long rod-like object. Related English words such as pale, palisade, and impale preserve the same Latin root. The verb developed from the practice of using a pole to propel or support something and continues the noun's ordinary physical associations.
Related word forms
How pole is actually used
The word is neutral in general use. In geographical contexts, “the poles” commonly refers to the North Pole and South Pole. “Pole” can be confused with “poll,” especially in speech. The capitalized form “Pole” meaning a person from Poland is uncommon today.
Easily confused with pole
A poll is a survey or vote, whereas a pole is a physical rod, support, or one of the Earth's axis points.