hooks: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; common in everyday, technical (computing, fishing, music), and metaphorical use.
Quick answer
What does “hooks” mean?
Plural form of 'hook': curved or angled pieces of metal, plastic, or other material used for catching, holding, pulling, or hanging things.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Plural form of 'hook': curved or angled pieces of metal, plastic, or other material used for catching, holding, pulling, or hanging things.
Can refer metaphorically to captivating elements (like a song's catchy part), addictive qualities, or strategic maneuvers (like a boxer's punch). In computing, it refers to points in software allowing custom code to run.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Off the hooks' (slang for crazy) is slightly more BrE. 'Hook and eye' (fastener) is universal.
Connotations
Equally neutral/concrete in both. Metaphorical use in music/pop culture is equally common.
Frequency
Similar frequency; slightly higher in UK angling contexts due to popularity.
Grammar
How to Use “hooks” in a Sentence
[N] + [V] + hooks (e.g., The coat has hooks)[V] + [N] + with + hooks (e.g., secure it with hooks)[BE] + [Adj] + with + hooks (e.g., The wall is fitted with hooks)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hooks” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He hooks the ball brilliantly around the defender.
- The documentary hooks viewers from the very start.
American English
- She hooks the trailer to her truck.
- The plot really hooks you in the first episode.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In marketing: 'The advertisement needs strong hooks to engage customers.'
Academic
In literature: 'Analysing the narrative hooks in the novel's opening chapters.'
Everyday
Domestic: 'I need to put some hooks in the hallway for our hats and scarves.'
Technical
Software development: 'The program uses several API hooks to modify system behaviour.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hooks”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hooks”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hooks”
- Using 'hooks' as a singular verb (incorrect: 'He hooks the fish' is correct for singular subject, but 'hooks' here is a verb form).
- Misspelling as 'hocks' (which are animal joints).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'hooks' is the plural form. The singular is 'hook'.
Yes, commonly in music ('catchy hooks'), writing ('narrative hooks'), or marketing, referring to elements designed to capture attention.
A hook is a simple curved device for hanging. A hanger (like for clothes) is a more complex object that often incorporates a hook.
Yes, it's ancient, originally meaning 'by any means possible', possibly referring to using a shepherd's hook (crook) or other tool to steal firewood or achieve a goal.
Plural form of 'hook': curved or angled pieces of metal, plastic, or other material used for catching, holding, pulling, or hanging things.
Hooks is usually neutral; common in everyday, technical (computing, fishing, music), and metaphorical use. in register.
Hooks: in British English it is pronounced /hʊks/, and in American English it is pronounced /hʊks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “by hook or by crook”
- “get one's hooks into someone/something”
- “hook, line, and sinker”
- “off the hooks (BrE, informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a pirate's Jolly Roger flag: the skull has two CROSSBONES shaped like curved HOOKS.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTING/GRASPING IS HOOKING (e.g., 'a catchy hook in a song', 'his argument hooked my interest').
Practice
Quiz
In software engineering, what are 'hooks' primarily used for?