Pocket Definition: Pronunciation, Idioms and Common Phrases

Pockets are everywhere in daily life, from jeans to jackets to backpacks. Here are some natural ways to use “pocket” in English.

While “pocket” is quite specific, there are related words that describe similar storage spaces in clothing and bags.

Related nouns: pouch bag slot holder

Synonyms (contextual): none it is a specific noun

Common collocations: back pocket empty pocket pocket money

The word appears in many everyday phrases, so to define “pocket” correctly in each case, you need to learn them as well.

With adjectives: deep pocket empty pocket front pocket back pocket

With verbs: pick a pocket reach into a pocket empty a pocket check a pocket

With nouns (noun + noun): pocket knife pocket watch pocket money pocket book

The meaning of “pocket” in idioms is almost always close to personal belongings and finances.

• In somebody’s pocket — a phrase that implies being under someone’s control or influence, usually in an unethical way.

  The corrupt official was in the businessman’s pocket for years.

• Out of pocket — this refers to having lost money or personally paid for something.

  We ended up $500 out of pocket for the hotel after the cancelled trip.

• Pocket change — it is a phrase that represents a small, unimportant sum of money.

  For that billionaire, a million dollars is just pocket change.

As you’ve learnt what “pocket” means, it’s time to practice your understanding. Dive into these exercises to be sure that you know everything about this word.

This simple clothing feature exists in every culture. Here is how to say “pocket” in three widely spoken European languages.

You’ve learnt how to spell “pocket”, its collocations, and even translations, so now you’ll extend your knowledge beyond vocabulary. When did pockets appear? How do women’s pockets differ from men’s? Keep reading to know the answers:

• The term “pocket” traces its roots to an ancient French word that meant “bag.”

  The process of coming up with the English word started with Middle English poket and Old French pouche, both referring to a small pouch or bag. That is the reason why “pocket” and “pouch” are pronounced nearly the same.

• The introduction of pockets in men’s garments took place around the late 1600s.

  Up until that time, men and women both used small pouches attached to their belts for carrying purposes. The fashion historians from the Victoria & Albert Museum say that women’s pockets were still kept as separate accessories tied under their skirts for an extended period of time.

• Women’s jeans pockets are 48% smaller than men’s.

  As per a 2018 survey covering the popular jeans brands, women’s front pockets are a great deal shorter and narrower than men’s. A mere 10% of women’s pants had pockets that could accommodate an entire hand.

• The “Suffragette Suit” from 1910 was designed with six pockets.

  When women demanded the right to vote, they also insisted on wearing practical attires. The suffragette suit turned into the icon of freedom with its many functional pockets that were seldom seen in women’s fashion at the time.

From athletes to musicians, many famous people have used “pocket” in memorable sayings about life and success.