Peck

/pɛk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A quick, light touch or stroke.

He gave her a peck on the forehead as a sign of affection.

A small quantity or amount.

She only took a peck of the pie, as she wasn’t very hungry.

verb

To strike or bite with a beak or pointed object.

The bird began to peck at the seeds scattered on the ground.

To kiss lightly.

She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before leaving.

To take small bites or nibbles.

He pecked at his food, hardly eating anything.

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

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.

pecker

a person or thing that pecks.

peckish

slightly hungry.

to give a quick kiss.

He gave her a peck before leaving.

to bother or annoy someone.

Stop pecking at me about my plans!