Meaning & Definition of Peck in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: to hit or strike something lightly, especially with a beak.

  Example Sentence: The bird will peck at the seeds on the ground.

• Definition: to eat or take in small bites.

  Example Sentence: He began to peck at his food half-heartedly.

• Definition: to make a hole in something by striking it repeatedly.

  Example Sentence: The woodpecker pecked at the tree trunk.

• Definition: to kiss lightly.

  Example Sentence: She gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

• Definition: a unit of measure for dry volume (especially for grains) equal to about 8 dry quarts.

  Example Sentence: We harvested a peck of apples from the orchard.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English pekken, from Old English pæccean, meaning 'to strike, peck'.

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: picar

• French: picorer

• German: picken

• Russian: клювом

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!