Meaning & Definition of word "Pluck"

Pluck

/plʌk/

1. Courage or determination.
- Example: It took a lot of pluck for her to stand up and speak her mind.

1. To pull or pinch something quickly and firmly.
- Example: She decided to pluck a few flowers from the garden for the vase.
2. To take something out or remove it, especially by pulling.
- Example: He plucked a note from the bulletin board that caught his eye.
3. To play a stringed instrument by pulling the strings with fingers or a plectrum.
- Example: He learned to pluck the strings of his guitar with great skill.
4. To remove feathers from a bird, especially in preparation for cooking.
- Example: They had to pluck the chickens before they could cook them.

Middle English 'plokken', from Old English 'ploccan'; akin to Dutch 'plukken' and German 'pflücken'.

pluck up one's courage:

To summon the bravery to do something.

pluck at someone's heartstrings:

To evoke strong emotions in someone.

pluck a string:

To play a stringed instrument by pinching the strings with fingers.

pluckable:

Capable of being plucked.

pluckiness:

The quality of being courageous or spirited.

Meaning: To achieve something against the odds.

Example Sentence: He really plucked it in the final moments of the game.

Meaning: To take a risk.

Example Sentence: She plucked herself into the competition, despite her fears.