Dictionary

A piece of wood or other material, usually long and slender, pointed at one end so as to be easily driven into the ground as a marker or a support or stay.

Example: We have surveyor's stakes at all four corners of this field, to mark exactly its borders.

A piece of wood driven in the ground, placed in the middle of the court, that is used as the finishing point after scoring 12 hoops in croquet.

A stick inserted upright in a lop, eye, or mortise, at the side or end of a cart, flat car, flatbed trailer, or the like, to prevent goods from falling off.

(with definite article) The piece of timber to which a person condemned to death was affixed to be burned.

Example: Thomas Cranmer was burnt at the stake.

To fasten, support, defend, or delineate with stakes.

Example: to stake vines or plants

To pierce or wound with a stake.

To put at risk upon success in competition, or upon a future contingency.

To provide another with money in order to engage in an activity as betting or a business venture.

Example: His family staked him $10,000 to get his business started.