pokey

noun

po·​key ˈpō-kē How to pronounce pokey (audio)
plural pokeys
Synonyms of pokeynext
slang
: jail

Synonyms of pokey

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Examples of pokey in a Sentence

joked about the time he passed out on the street and woke up in the pokey
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As is the way with global car makers now, this new pokey Pug is built on a common Stellantis group platform. — New Atlas, 11 June 2026 There are reasons people are afraid of the dentist; all of those pokey instruments going into soft, sensitive places. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025 The region’s pokey residential construction pace is a big factor. — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026 Put the reader on (watch out for the surprisingly pokey earpieces at the ends of the arms), and those displays merge into a single 271 ppi E Ink display. — Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pokey

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pokey was circa 1919

Phrases Containing pokey

Rhymes for pokey

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Browse Nearby Words

pokeweed family
pokey
Pokhara
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Cite this Entry

“Pokey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pokey. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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