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Added 9 October 2026

stalk

/stɔːk/ noun

In Latin: caulis, stipula Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about stalk at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The stem or main axis of a plant.
a stalk of wheat, rye, or oats; the stalks of maize or hemp
The petiole, pedicel, or peduncle of a plant.
grape stalks
Something resembling the stalk of a plant, such as the stem of a quill.

verb

To approach slowly and quietly in order not to be discovered when getting closer.
To (try to) follow or contact someone constantly, often resulting in harassment.
My ex-girlfriend is stalking me.
To walk slowly and cautiously; to walk in a stealthy, noiseless manner.

noun

A particular episode of trying to follow or contact someone.
The hunting of a wild animal by stealthy approach.

verb

To walk haughtily.

Origin

From Middle English stalke, stelke, stalk, perhaps from Old English *stealc, *stielc, *stealuc, from Proto-West Germanic *staluk, *stalik, from Proto-Germanic *stalukaz, *stalikaz, diminutive of Proto-Germanic *stalô, *staluz (“support, stem, stalk”), from Proto-Indo-European *stel- (“to place, stand; be stiff; stud, post, trunk, stake, stem, stalk”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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