Meaning & Definition of word "Peck"
Peck
/pɛk/
noun:
- 1. A quick, light touch or stroke.
- Example: He gave her a peck on the forehead as a sign of affection.
- 2. A small quantity or amount.
- Example: She only took a peck of the pie, as she wasn’t very hungry.
verb:
- 1. To strike or bite with a beak or pointed object.
- Example: The bird began to peck at the seeds scattered on the ground.
- 2. To kiss lightly.
- Example: She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before leaving.
- 3. To take small bites or nibbles.
- Example: He pecked at his food, hardly eating anything.
Etymology
●Middle English pekken, from Old English pæccean, meaning 'to strike, peck'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
pecking order:
a hierarchical system of social organization.
pecking away:
to work at something persistently.
a peck of dirt:
a small amount of dirt or refuse.
Related Words
pecker:
a person or thing that pecks.
peckish:
slightly hungry.
Slang Meanings of peck
Meaning: to give a quick kiss.
● Example Sentence: He gave her a peck before leaving.
Meaning: to bother or annoy someone.
● Example Sentence: Stop pecking at me about my plans!