n.
- a pronged implement used for lifting or holding food.
▸a pronged farm or garden tool used for digging or lifting.
- the point where something, especially a road or (N. Amer.) river, divides into two parts.
▸either of two such parts.
- each of a pair of supports in which a bicycle or motorcycle wheel revolves.
- Chess a simultaneous attack on two or more pieces by one.
v.
- divide into two parts.
▸take one route or the other at a fork.
- dig or lift with a fork.
-
(fork something out/up)
informal pay money for something, especially reluctantly.
- Chess attack (two pieces) simultaneously with one.
Derivative
- forkful n.
(pl. forkfuls)
.
Etymology
OE forca, force, based on L. furca ‘pitchfork, forked stick’; reinforced in ME by Anglo-Norman Fr. furke.