Pole Meaning
Pole Definition & Usage
A long, vertical structure used for support or marking a location, typically made of wood, metal, or concrete.
Examples
- "The streetlights were mounted on tall poles that lined the highway."
- "They put up a new flagpole in the town square for the national holiday."
- "The utility company installed a new pole to carry power lines to the new housing development."
- "A tall pole was placed in the middle of the field to help guide the farmer's tractor."
- "The flag fluttered proudly atop the pole, visible from miles away."
A post or vertical bar used in sports to mark goals or boundaries, such as in football or pole vaulting.
Examples
- "The pole vault competition was intense, with athletes attempting to clear a bar set at 5 meters."
- "The goalkeeper dived to save the ball from hitting the pole of the goal."
- "In rugby, the players tried to kick the ball through the poles to score a field goal."
- "She cleared the pole easily, setting a new school record for the pole vault."
- "The match was decided in extra time when the ball hit the pole and bounced out."
To place or fix something on a pole, or to stand or be positioned in a vertical, pole-like manner.
Examples
- "They decided to pole the tent by securing it to large wooden posts."
- "The athletes had to pole themselves over the high bar during the competition."
- "He used the pole to steady himself as he climbed the slippery mountain path."
- "The workers are poling the flag in place for the ceremony."
- "They needed help to pole the heavy flag to the top of the tall mast."
Cultural Context
The word 'pole' has been in use for centuries, with roots tracing back to Middle English and Old French. Historically, poles were used in many practical applications, from supporting structures like flags and lights to marking boundaries in outdoor activities and games.
The Great Pole Vault
Story
The Great Pole Vault
On the day of the school's annual sports meet, Emma stood at the edge of the pole vault track, watching nervously as her competitors cleared the bar with ease. She had practiced for months, but today felt different. The bar was set higher than ever, and the pole seemed impossibly tall. Her coach, Mr. Harris, gave her an encouraging nod from the sidelines. ‘Remember, it’s all about timing,’ he said. ‘Use the pole to propel yourself upward.’ Emma gripped her pole firmly, the cool metal against her hands giving her a sense of confidence. With a deep breath, she sprinted toward the vault, planting the pole into the soft ground as she launched herself into the air. For a moment, it felt like she was floating, weightless, as she cleared the bar. The crowd erupted into applause, but Emma didn’t hear them. She had one focus: the pole. The thin metal shaft, now safely in her hands, had become more than just a tool. It was her ticket to breaking records. Later that evening, Emma stood with her teammates, looking at the flagpole that stood tall in the center of the schoolyard. The school’s flag fluttered proudly in the breeze. It had been a day of victories, but it was the pole that symbolized something bigger: unity, strength, and achievement. As they watched the flag wave, Emma realized that both the pole in her vaulting event and the flagpole in the schoolyard were more than just structures—they were symbols of reaching higher, striving for greatness. As Emma’s record-breaking leap was celebrated, Mr. Harris remarked, ‘It’s not just about how high you can go. It’s about the pole that carries you there.’
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