pocket

A small bag sewn into clothes, used to carry keys, money, and other small things.

• My phone is in my pocket.
• He emptied his pockets before washing his jeans.
• Does this jacket have a pocket inside?

How to use it: in someone’s pocket (Her keys are in her pocket.)

Common phrases: coat pocket, pocket flap, in a pocket

The money a person has available to spend.

• I paid out of my own pocket.
• These repairs will hit your pocket hard.
• The new tax leaves less money in ordinary people’s pockets.

How to use it: out of someone’s own pocket (She paid for the supplies out of her own pocket.)

Similar words: finances, funds

Common phrases: out of pocket, own pocket, deep pocket

A small area or amount of something surrounded by something different, including soldiers surrounded by enemy forces.

• We found a pocket of air.
• Small pockets of forest remain among the farms.
• The troops were trapped in a pocket surrounded by enemy forces.

How to use it: pocket of something (A pocket of air was trapped under the ice.)

Common phrases: pocket of air, pocket of resistance, isolated pocket

One of the holes around a pool or snooker table that players try to send balls into.

• The ball fell into the pocket.
• Aim for the corner pocket.
• The table has six pockets around its edges.

Common phrases: corner pocket, side pocket, into a pocket

To take money and keep it for yourself, especially money that should go to someone else.

• He pocketed the money.
• The manager pocketed cash that belonged to the company.
• She was accused of pocketing most of the profits.

Similar words: keep, appropriate

Common phrases: pocket the money, pocket the profits, pocket a fee

To put something into the small bag sewn into your clothes.

• He pocketed the keys.
• She pocketed her phone and walked away.
• Can you pocket that coin without anyone noticing?

Similar words: put away

Common phrases: pocket something, pocket the keys, pocket a coin

To hit a ball into one of the holes around a pool or snooker table.

• She pocketed the red ball.
• He failed to pocket the black.
• Can you pocket two balls with one shot?

Similar words: pot, sink

Common phrases: pocket a ball, pocket the black, pocket the red

Small enough to fit in the small bag sewn into your clothes.

• I carry a pocket dictionary.
• She wrote the address in her pocket notebook.
• This pocket calculator runs on sunlight.

Similar words: pocket-sized

Common phrases: pocket dictionary, pocket calculator, pocket notebook