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peck

noun (1)
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\ ˈpek How to pronounce peck (audio) \

Definition of peck

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a unit of capacity equal to ¹/₄ bushel — see Weights and Measures Table
2 : a large quantity or number

peck

verb
pecked; pecking; pecks

Definition of peck (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : 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

intransitive verb

1a : to strike, pierce, or pick up something with or as if with the bill
b : carp, nag
2 : to eat reluctantly and in small bites peck at food

peck

noun (2)

Definition of peck (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : an impression or hole made by pecking
2 : a quick sharp stroke
3 : a quick light kiss a peck on the cheek
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about peck

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Synonyms for peck

Synonyms: Verb

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Examples of peck in a Sentence

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.
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First Known Use of peck

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

circa 1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for peck

Noun (1)

Middle English pek, from Anglo-French

Verb

Middle English, perhaps from Middle Low German pekken

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Time Traveler for peck

Time Traveler

The first known use of peck was in the 13th century

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Statistics for peck

Cite this Entry

“Peck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peck. Accessed 16 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for peck

peck

verb

English Language Learners Definition of peck

: to strike sharply at something with the beak
: to make (something) by pecking with the beak
: to kiss (someone) lightly and quickly

See the full definition for peck in the English Language Learners Dictionary

peck

verb
\ ˈpek How to pronounce peck (audio) \
pecked; pecking

Kids Definition of peck

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : to strike or pick up with the beak or a sharp instrument (as a pick) Birds pecked the cherries that filled the tree.
2 : to make by striking with the beak or a sharp instrument Birds pecked holes.

peck

noun

Kids Definition of peck (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a unit of capacity equal to one quarter of a bushel
2 : a great deal : a large quantity She's in a peck of trouble.

peck

noun

Kids Definition of peck (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : the act of striking with the bill or with a sharp instrument
2 : a mark made by striking with the bill or with a sharp instrument

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More from Merriam-Webster on peck

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for peck

Nglish: Translation of peck for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of peck for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about peck

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