Definition of pick
transitive verb
1
:to pierce, penetrate, or break up with a pointed instrument
- picked the hard clay
2 a
:to remove bit by bit
- pick meat from bones
b
:to remove covering or adhering matter from
- pick the bones
3 a
:to gather by plucking
- pick apples
c
:to make (one's way) slowly and carefully
- picked his way through the rubble
b
:to obtain useful information from by questioning
—used in such phrases as pick the brains of
5
:provoke
- pick a quarrel
6 a
:to dig into :probe
- picking his teeth
b
:to pluck (a stringed instrument, such as a guitar) with a pick or with the fingers
c
:to loosen or pull apart with a sharp point
- pick wool
7
:to unlock with a device (such as a wire) other than the key
- pick a lock
intransitive verb
1
:to use or work with a pick
2
:to gather or harvest something by plucking
3
:pilfer
—used in the phrase picking and stealing
4
:to eat sparingly or mincingly
- picking listlessly at his dinner
—
pick and choose
:to select with care and deliberation
—
pick on
:to single out for criticism, teasing, or bullying
- picked on smaller boys
