handpick

verb

hand·​pick ˈhan(d)-ˈpik 

handpicked; handpicking; handpicks

transitive verb

1

: to pick by hand as opposed to a machine process

2

: to select personally or for personal ends

Synonyms of handpick

• select
• choose
• pick

Examples of handpick in a Sentence

They run a farm where you can handpick fresh strawberries.

a box of handpicked strawberries

The executive handpicked her successor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 7 May 2026

State law calls for the City Council to handpick her successor in the meantime. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026

If Derby could handpick a final-day opponent, then maybe a Sheffield United side fresh from back-to-back home defeats to Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End would be it. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Baer said the company’s business model, which handpicks items and styles for customers, can help shoppers going through a major life change. —Melissa Repko, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for handpick

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

Kids Definition

handpick

verb

hand·​pick ˈhan(d)-ˈpik 

: to select personally

a handpicked successor