Poke at
verb
To push something with a finger or pointed object.
She poked at the cake with her fork.
Often appears as...
- poke at food
- poke at someone
verb
To make fun of or provoke someone.
He is always poking at her about her accent.
Often appears as...
- poke at someone's mistake
- poke at one's appearance
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To criticize or scrutinize something.
Critics poked at the flaws in his argument.
Often appears as...
- poke at someone's argument
- poke at policy
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To push something with a finger or pointed object.
She poked at the cake with her fork.
Often appears as...
- poke at food
- poke at someone
verb
To make fun of or provoke someone.
He is always poking at her about her accent.
Often appears as...
- poke at someone's mistake
- poke at one's appearance
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To criticize or scrutinize something.
Critics poked at the flaws in his argument.
Often appears as...
- poke at someone's argument
- poke at policy
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action
Used when describing a gentle or exploratory action rather than a violent one.
She tentatively poked at the new gadget, unsure of its purpose.
Pro Tip 2/3Not for Eating
'Poke at' usually suggests reluctance to eat or disinterest in the food.
He just poked at his dinner, still full from lunch.
Pro Tip 3/3Interactive Discovery
Often used when someone is engaging with something new to understand it.
They poked at the app, trying to figure out its features.
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