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Definition of picky

picky

/ˈpɪk.i/
pick · y
Adverb:pickily
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picky Lexical Profile

picky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Fussy, overly selective, or difficult to please, especially regarding food or personal preferences.

Example

"My nephew is such a picky eater that he refuses to touch any green vegetables."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for picky
Antonyms
View all antonyms for picky

• Rhymes for picky

• Nearby Words

pickpocket
pickpocketing
pickup
picky
picnic
picnicker
pictogram

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-19th century, formed in English from the verb 'pick' (in the sense of choosing carefully or fastidiously) plus the adjective-forming suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Picky. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/picky
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