A strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end, driven into the ground to support something or mark a boundary.

“We used a wooden stake to keep the small tree from leaning in the wind.”

A share or financial interest in a business, project, or outcome.

“The investors hold a 40% stake in the tech startup.”

The money or valuable items being risked in a bet or gamble.

“The stakes were incredibly high during the final round of the poker tournament.”