First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1fork
noun \ˈfȯrk\
: a small tool with two or more pointed parts (called prongs or tines) used for picking up and eating food
: a garden tool with two or more prongs used for lifting and digging soil
: a place where something (such as a road or river) divides into two parts
Full Definition of FORK
1
: an implement with two or more prongs used especially for taking up (as in eating), pitching, or digging
2
: a forked part, tool, or piece of equipment
3
a : a division into branches or the place where something divides into branches b : confluence
4
: one of the branches into which something forks
5
: an attack by one chess piece (as a knight) on two pieces simultaneously
— fork·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun
See fork defined for English-language learners
See fork defined for kids
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Origin of FORK
Middle English forke, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English forca & Anglo-French furke, from Latin furca
2fork
verb
of a road, river, etc. : to divide into two parts
: to pay or give (money)
: to lift or throw (something) with a fork
Full Definition of FORK
intransitive verb
1
: to divide into two or more branches <where the road forks>
2
a : to use or work with a fork b : to turn into a fork
transitive verb
1
: to give the form of a fork to <forking her fingers>
2
: to attack (two chessmen) simultaneously
3
: to raise, pitch, dig, or work with a fork <fork hay>
See fork defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FORK
15th century
FORK Defined for Kids
1fork
noun \ˈfȯrk\
Definition of FORK for Kids
1
: an implement having a handle and two or more prongs for taking up (as in eating), pitching, or digging
2
: a forked part or tool
3
: the place where something divides or branches <a fork in the road>
4
: one of the parts into which something divides or branches <the left fork>
2fork
verb
forkedfork·ing
Definition of FORK for Kids
1
: to divide into branches <Drive to where the road forks.>
2
: to pitch or lift with a fork
Medical Dictionary
fork
noun \ˈfȯ(ə)rk\
Medical Definition of FORK
1
: a forked part, tool, or piece of equipment—see tuning fork
2
: the lower part of the human body where the legs diverge from the trunk usually including the legs
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