A hook is a tool consisting of a length of material that contains a portion that is curved or indented, so that this portion can be used to hold another object. In a number of uses, one end of the hook is pointed, so that this end can pierce another material, which is then held by the curved or indented portion.
Variations
Bagging hook, a large sickle or reaping hook used for harvesting grain
Bondage hook, used in sexual bondage play
Cabin hook, a hooked bar that engages into an eye screw, used on doors
Cap hook, hat ornament of the 15th and 16th centuries
Cargo hook (helicopter), different types of hook systems for helicopters
Crochet hook, used for crocheting thread or yarn
Drapery hook, for hanging drapery
Dress hook, fashion accessory
Fish hook, used to catch fish
Flesh-hook, used in cooking meat
Grappling hook, a hook attached to a rope, designed to be thrown and snagged on a target
Hook (hand tool), also known as longshoreman's hook and bale hook, a tool used for securing and moving loads
Hook-and-eye closure, a clothing fastener
Hook and loop fastener
Lifting hook, for grabbing and lifting loads
Mail hook, for grabbing mail bags without stopping a train
Meat hook, for hanging up meat or carcasses of animals in butcheries and meat industry
Prosthetic hook or transradial prosthesis, part of a prosthetic arm for amputees
Purse hook, used to keep a woman's purse from touching the floor
Shepherd's hook (or crook), a staff used in herding sheep or other animals
Siege hook, an Ancient Roman weapon used to pull stones from a wall during a siege
Tailhook, used by aircraft to snag cables in order to slow down more quickly