Pluck

/plʌk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Courage or determination.

It took a lot of pluck for her to stand up and speak her mind.

verb

To pull or pinch something quickly and firmly.

She decided to pluck a few flowers from the garden for the vase.

To take something out or remove it, especially by pulling.

He plucked a note from the bulletin board that caught his eye.

To play a stringed instrument by pulling the strings with fingers or a plectrum.

He learned to pluck the strings of his guitar with great skill.

To remove feathers from a bird, especially in preparation for cooking.

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.

To achieve something against the odds.

He really plucked it in the final moments of the game.

To take a risk.

She plucked herself into the competition, despite her fears.