chopstick

noun

chop·​stick ˈchäp-ˌstik 

plural chopsticks

: one of a pair of slender sticks (as of wood or plastic) held between the thumb and fingers and used to lift food to the mouth

Never spear food with a chopstick! If you're having trouble picking up your food, a spoon is your plan B.

—Laura Barry

—usually used in plural

To eat rice, both etiquette and practicality dictate that you use chopsticks to pick up a morsel of meat, fish, or whatever …; position it over the rice bowl, allowing its juices or sauce to drip into the rice; eat the morsel; then shovel some rice into your mouth with the chopsticks.

—Saveur

"… I do get uncomfortable when people use chopsticks for every Asian food. Traditionally, I may use chopsticks when my food is served in a soup bowl with noodles or rice, but we often use forks and spoons for our dishes. …"

—Darrell Loo, quoted in Feast

Illustration of chopstick

Examples of chopstick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In July, Iron Sushi managed to fail a first inspection, then three callback inspections when roaches showed up in places such as chopsticks or a rice cooker. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025

The maneuver involves SpaceX catching the booster with giant mechanical arms known as chopsticks. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

Every detail feels intentional, not just in the fresh ingredients, but in thoughtful touches like letting diners take home a handsome pair of wooden chopsticks after their meal. —Bao Ong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

To-go boxes, chopsticks, napkins and moist towelettes are all emblazoned with the SYC logo. —Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Chinese Pidgin English chop fast + English stick

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chopstick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• joystick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick

Kids Definition

chopstick

noun

chop·​stick ˈchäp-ˌstik 

: one of a pair of slender sticks used chiefly in Asian countries to lift food to the mouth