First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1stalk
noun \ˈstȯk\
Definition of STALK
1
: a slender upright object or supporting or connecting part; especially : peduncle
2
a : the main stem of an herbaceous plant often with its dependent parts b : a part of a plant (as a petiole or stipe) that supports another
— stalked \ˈstȯkt\ adjective
— stalk·less \ˈstȯ-kləs\ adjective
— stalky \ˈstȯ-kē\ adjective
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Origin of STALK
Middle English stalke; akin to Old English stela stalk, support
Other Botany Terms
2stalk
verb
: to follow (an animal or person that you are hunting or trying to capture) by moving slowly and quietly
: to go through (a place or area) while hunting
: to follow, watch, and bother (someone) constantly in a way that is frightening, dangerous, etc.
Full Definition of STALK
intransitive verb
1
: to pursue quarry or prey stealthily
2
: to walk stiffly or haughtily
transitive verb
1
: to pursue by stalking
2
: to go through (an area) in search of prey or quarry <stalk the woods for deer>
3
: to pursue obsessively and to the point of harassment
— stalk·er noun
See stalk defined for English-language learners
Origin of STALK
Middle English, from Old English bestealcian; akin to Old English stelan to steal — more at steal
First Known Use: 14th century
3stalk
noun
STALKER Defined for Kids
1stalk
noun \ˈstȯk\
Definition of STALK for Kids
1
: a plant stem especially when not woody <stalks of celery>
2
: a slender supporting structure <the stalk of a goblet>
— stalked \ˈstȯkt\ adjective
2stalk
verb
stalkedstalk·ing
Definition of STALK for Kids
1
: to walk in a stiff or proud manner <He stalked angrily out of the room.>
2
: to hunt slowly and quietly <A cat stalked the bird.>
— stalk·er noun
Medical Dictionary
stalk
noun \ˈstȯk\
Medical Definition of STALK
: a slender supporting or connecting part : peduncle <the pituitary stalk>
—stalked \ˈstȯkt\ adjective
—stalk·less adjective
Learn More About STALK
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