pock

[ pok ]

noun

1. a pustule on the body in an eruptive disease, as smallpox.
2. a mark or spot left by or resembling such a pustule.
3. a small indentation, pit, hole, or the like.
4. Scot. poke ².

pock

/ pɒk /

noun

1. any pustule resulting from an eruptive disease, esp from smallpox
2. another word for pockmark

Derived Forms

• ˈpocky, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pock¹

before 1000; Middle English pokke, Old English poc; cognate with German Pocke; perhaps akin to Old English pocca. See poke ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of pock¹

Old English pocc; related to Middle Dutch pocke, perhaps to Latin bucca cheek

Example Sentences

Naomi Osaka’s comeback season has been pocked by fits and starts as she reacquaints herself with her athleticism and competitive fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Other times, though, silver can be proof of internal precious metal, a just reward for an unflinching athlete not expected to ascend the podium because their journey was pocked by ceaseless obstacles.

From Los Angeles Times

Nearby, we passed a giant mural with the word “Freedom,” leftover from the protests of 2019 and pocked by gunfire.

From New York Times

Aid groups have faced an immense challenge in distributing supplies in a war zone with active combat, roadblocks and streets pocked with bomb craters and debris.

From New York Times

The far side is pocked with impact craters and its crust is twice as thick.

From Science Magazine