Search Dictionary
Definition of pick

pick

/pɪk/
pick

Plural:picks
•
Past Simple:picked
•
Past Participle:picked
•
Present Participle:picking
JUMP TO:

pick Lexical Profile

pick Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To choose or select someone or something from a group.

Example

"The coach will pick the starting lineup before tomorrow's game."


2

To detach and remove a flower, fruit, or vegetable from where it is growing.

Example

"We spent the afternoon picking fresh strawberries at the local farm."


3

To repeatedly pull at or touch something with one's fingers.

Example

"He nervously began to pick at the loose thread on his sweater."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pick
Antonyms
View all antonyms for pick

• noun

1

An act or right of selecting something from a group, or the specific thing or person that is selected.

Example

"We were given the first pick of the available puppies."


2

A small, thin piece of plastic, metal, or wood used for plucking the strings of a musical instrument.

Example

"She dropped her guitar pick inside the acoustic soundhole and struggled to get it out."


3

A tool with a heavy curved metal head with one or both ends pointed, mounted on a wooden handle, used for breaking up soil or rock.

Example

"The miner swung his pick into the hard rock wall of the tunnel."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pick

• Rhymes for pick

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'piken', related to Old English 'pīcian' (to prick) and Old French 'piquer' (to pierce), with senses evolving from piercing to plucking and eventually choosing.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pick. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pick
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.