Neutral (common in all registers)
Definition
Meaning
A small pouch or bag sewn into clothing for carrying personal items; a small, enclosed space or hollow.
A small, isolated area or group differing from its surroundings (e.g., a pocket of resistance). As an adjective: small enough to be carried in a pocket; of a smaller or compact size. As a verb: to put into one's pocket; to take or appropriate, especially dishonestly; to enclose or confine.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is highly polysemous, functioning as noun, verb, and adjective. The metaphorical extension from a physical pouch to an isolated area or a sum of money is central to its semantic network.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily minor spelling differences in derivatives (e.g., 'pocketful' vs. 'pocketful' is same). The term 'pocket money' is more common in UK English; 'allowance' is a frequent US equivalent.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both variants. The phrase 'in pocket' (having gained money) is slightly more British. The verb sense 'to pocket' (to take dishonestly) is equally common.
Frequency
Very high and consistent frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB: pocket + NOUN (He pocketed the keys.)ADJECTIVE: pocket + NOUN (a pocket dictionary)NOUN: in/into/out of + (one's) pocket (She put her phone in her pocket.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Line one's pockets”
- “Out of pocket”
- “In someone's pocket”
- “Pick someone's pocket”
- “Pocket one's pride”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to profit/loss ('out-of-pocket expenses'), or control ('in the CEO's pocket').
Academic
Used in geography/biology ('air pocket', 'pocket of biodiversity'), or figuratively ('pockets of resistance').
Everyday
Overwhelmingly refers to clothing feature or small personal items.
Technical
In billiards/snooker (a table pocket); in engineering (a machined cavity).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He calmly pocketed the winnings and left the casino.
- The MP was accused of pocketing public funds.
American English
- She pocketed the extra change by mistake.
- The company was found to have pocketed the subsidies illegally.
adjective
British English
- He carried a pocket edition of the poems.
- It's a lovely pocket handkerchief.
American English
- She bought a pocket dictionary for the trip.
- He used a pocket veto to kill the bill.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a key in my pocket.
- He gives his son pocket money every week.
- She sewed a new pocket onto her jacket.
- The sudden air pocket caused the plane to drop.
- The investigation found pockets of corruption within the department.
- He managed to pocket his pride and apologise.
- The legislation was effectively killed by a pocket veto.
- Venture capitalists with deep pockets funded the startup.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small POCK-et in your jeans where you POKE-IT with your fingers to find coins.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (for ideas, money, resources); ISOLATION (a pocket of something); APPROPRIATION (to pocket = to make one's own).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'pocket money' as 'карманные деньги' in formal contexts; 'allowance' or 'spending money' is often better. Do not confuse 'air pocket' (воздушная яма) with just a 'hole'. The verb 'to pocket' often implies stealth or appropriation, not just physical placement.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'bag' instead of 'pocket' for clothing (e.g., 'trouser bag'). Incorrect preposition: 'on my pocket' instead of 'in my pocket'. Overusing the noun for non-physical containers.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'pocket' function primarily as an adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. As a noun, it's a physical pouch. As a verb, it often means 'to take possession of', sometimes secretly or dishonestly (e.g., 'He pocketed the cash').
'Pocket money' (more UK) implies small, regular cash for minor expenses. 'Allowance' (more US) can be larger and is sometimes tied to chores. They are often used interchangeably.
Yes, especially as a verb ('to pocket' illicit gains) or in idioms ('line one's pockets' = profit corruptly). It can also imply control ('in someone's pocket').
It means having paid for something with one's own money, expecting reimbursement. It can also mean being at a financial loss (e.g., 'The deal left me $100 out of pocket').
Collections
Part of a collection
Colors and Clothes
A1 · 45 words · Colors and common items of clothing.