pore

1 of 2

verb

pored; poring

intransitive verb

1
: to gaze intently
2
: to read or study attentively
usually used with over
3
: to reflect or meditate steadily

pore

2 of 2

noun

1
: a minute opening especially in an animal or plant
especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane
2
: a small interstice (as in soil) admitting absorption or passage of liquid
pored adjective

Examples of pore in a Sentence

Verb the committee will probably pore over the results of the study for a long time before making their decision he pored over the textbook for hours in preparation for the test
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Ice-cold therapy for facial skin can reduce puffiness and inflammation, and tighten pores; however, putting your face in the freezing water is the hard part. Lucy Notarantonio, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 Third-base coach and outfield coordinator Luis Rojas raved about how much time and effort Soto pored into defense, learning the nuances of a different position. Brendan Kuty, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
Buy Now on Amazon COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner No matter what your skin concerns are—unevenness, blackheads or acne—the COSRX AHA/BHA exfoliating spray can help treat them by removing dead skin cells and clearing pores. Lauren Wilrich, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 Use facial sunscreens and moisturizers also formulated for your face since heavier body creams can clog your pores. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pore

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English pouren

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin porus, from Greek poros passage, pore — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pore was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pore. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pore

1 of 2 verb
ˈpō(ə)r How to pronounce pore (audio)
ˈpȯ(ə)r
pored; poring
: to read with great attention : study
pore over a book

pore

2 of 2 noun
: a tiny opening or space (as in the skin or the soil)
pored
ˈpō(ə)rd
ˈpȯ(ə)rd
adjective

Medical Definition

: a minute opening especially in an animal or plant
especially : one by which matter passes through a membrane

More from Merriam-Webster on pore

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