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

In addition to removing the commission’s direct authority over the chief job, Houston — who devised his proposal with Council President Kevin Jenkins — sought to eliminate a selection panel that appoints four of the commission’s members, allowing the council to handpick them instead. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 24 June 2026

Wear gloves to handpick small numbers, then drop into a bucket of soapy water. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 June 2026

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 June 2026

Tony serves as chief executive while Josephine handpicks much of the store’s merchandise. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 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