forked

1 of 2

adjective

ˈfȯrkt How to pronounce forked (audio) ˈfȯr-kəd How to pronounce forked (audio)
Synonyms of forkednext
1
: resembling a fork especially in having one end divided into two or more branches or points
forked lightning
2
: shaped like a fork or having a forked part
a forked road

forked

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of fork entry 2

Examples of forked in a Sentence

Adjective a bird with a deeply forked tail the forked tongue of a snake
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.
Adjective
Catching that pair with no tools except the forked stick and the hook posed a problem. — Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026 The forked carbon-fiber plate adds a propulsive feel, making climbs and descents less punishing. — Chris Haslam, Wired News, 8 Apr. 2026 There’s a similar kind of forked path of decision-making that goes into all these procedures. — Laura Brown, Artforum, 25 Mar. 2026 This one stands out because of its forked tip, which creates soft, hairlike strokes instead of harsh, solid lines. — Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for forked

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forked was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing forked

Rhymes for forked

See All Rhymes for forked

Browse Nearby Words

fork beam
forked
forked catchfly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forked. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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