1
: a unit of capacity equal to ¹/₄ bushel see Weights and Measures Table
2
: a large quantity or number
pecked; pecking; pecks
1
a
: to strike or pierce especially repeatedly with the bill or a pointed tool
b
: to make by pecking
peck a hole
2
: to pick up with the bill
2
: to eat reluctantly and in small bites
peck at food
1
: an impression or hole made by pecking
2
: a quick sharp stroke
3
: a quick light kiss
a peck on the cheek
Examples of peck in a Sentence
Noun (1)
now you're in a peck of trouble
Verb
The hen pecked my finger.
The woodpecker pecked a hole in the tree.
He pecked his wife on the cheek as he headed out the door.
Recent Examples on the Web
Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
At best, a peck on the cheek or brief hug is the sole reminder of a shared life.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025
The muscular gizzard contains grit pecked up from the chicken’s ground feeding, which is used to crush up the chicken’s food.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for peck
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Noun
After winning, Spaun approached and hugged them, took one of the girls into his arms, and gave his wife a quick peck on the lips.
—Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
At best, a peck on the cheek or brief hug is the sole reminder of a shared life.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
The place currently has 13 chickens that roam its grounds, provide her with fresh eggs and, now and then, wander into her kitchen to peck away at some cat food.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025
The muscular gizzard contains grit pecked up from the chicken’s ground feeding, which is used to crush up the chicken’s food.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for peck
Cite this Entry
“Peck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peck. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
peck
2 of 3 verb1
a
: to strike with the bill : thrust the beak into
b
: to make by pecking
peck holes
2
: to strike with a sharp instrument (as a pick)
3
: to pick up with the bill
a chicken pecking corn
4
: to bite daintily : nibble
peck at one's food
peck
3 of 3 noun1
: a mark or hole made by pecking
2
: a quick sharp stroke
Etymology
Noun
Middle English pek "unit of measure," from early French pek (same meaning)
Verb
Middle English pecken "to strike or pierce repeatedly," perhaps from early German pekken (same meaning)
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