Langimage
English

rook

|rook|

B2

/rʊk/

bird or chess piece

Etymology
Etymology Information

'rook' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hrōc', where 'hrōc' referred to the bird.

Historical Evolution

'hrōc' transformed into the Middle English word 'rok', and eventually became the modern English word 'rook'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a type of bird', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a large black bird of the crow family, with a bare face and a harsh call.

The rook perched on the branch, cawing loudly.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a chess piece that moves in straight lines along ranks and files.

He moved his rook to capture the opponent's knight.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to swindle or cheat someone.

He was rooked out of his savings by a con artist.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42