Meaning & Definition of word "Pick"

Pick

/pɪk/

noun:

  • 1. a selection or a choice.
    • Example: She had a good pick of movies to choose from.
  • 2. a tool with a pointed or sharp end used for breaking up hard material.
    • Example: He used a pick to break through the frozen ground.

verb:

  • 1. to choose or select from a group.
    • Example: I need to pick a book to read for my class.
  • 2. to gather or harvest, especially fruit or flowers.
    • Example: We went to the orchard to pick apples.
  • 3. to pull or remove something using the fingers or a tool.
    • Example: He decided to pick the lock instead of using the key.

Etymology

Middle English 'pikken', probably of imitative origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

pick and choose:

to select only the things that you want.

pick up the pieces:

to start again after a disaster.

pick someone's brain:

to ask someone for information or advice.

pick a fight:

to provoke someone into an argument or fight.

pick of the litter:

the best choice from a group.

Related Words

picker:

a person or tool that picks something.

picking:

the act of choosing or gathering.

pickaxe:

a tool used for breaking up soil or rock.

Slang Meanings of pick

Meaning: to choose or select someone or something

Example Sentence: I’m going to pick a winner for the contest.

Meaning: to steal or take something

Example Sentence: He managed to pick my wallet from the table.