hooker

1 of 2

noun (1)

hook·​er ˈhu̇-kər How to pronounce hooker (audio)
plural hookers
Synonyms of hookernext
1
informal + disapproving : a person who engages in sexual intercourse in exchange for pay : sex worker
2
old-fashioned : a portion of alcohol : drink
a hooker of whiskey

hooker

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a one-masted fishing boat used on the English and Irish coasts
also : a small clumsy boat

Synonyms

Noun (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of hooker in a Sentence

Noun (1) went undercover pretending to be a hooker as part of a sting operation
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.
Noun
This is how an institution fractures, a culture declines, and Hollywood’s love for hookers and thieves degrades itself. — Armond White, National Review, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Dutch hoeker, alteration of Middle Dutch hoecboot, from hoec fishhook + boot boat

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hooker was in 1801

Rhymes for hooker

See All Rhymes for hooker

Browse Nearby Words

hookem-snivey
hooker
Hooker
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Cite this Entry

“Hooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hooker. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Biographical Definition

Hooker 1 of 4

biographical name (1)

Hook·​er ˈhu̇-kər How to pronounce Hooker (audio)
Joseph 1814–1879 American general

Hooker

2 of 4

biographical name (2)

Sir Joseph Dalton 1817–1911 English botanist

Hooker

3 of 4

biographical name (3)

Richard 1554–1600 English theologian

Hooker

4 of 4

biographical name (4)

Thomas 1586?–1647 English Puritan clergyman and founder of Connecticut
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