Meaning & Definition
verb
to divide into two or more branches or parts.
The path forked at the riverbank, giving us the choice to go either left or right.
to use a fork to lift or serve food.
She forked the pasta onto the plate with elegance.
adjective
having two or more branches or prongs.
The forked tongue of the snake is an adaptation for sensing the environment.
divided into parts or branches.
The forked lightning illuminated the sky during the storm.
Etymology
Derived from the Old English 'forca', meaning 'a tool with prongs'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
forked tongue:
A deceptive or insincere way of speaking.
fork in the road:
A point where a decision must be made between two or more alternatives.
fork over:
To hand over or give up something, especially money.
Slang Meanings
To mess something up or cause trouble.
He really forked things up at the meeting.
To have multiple options or paths in a situation.
After the project forked, we had to choose a direction.