pick on
verb
picked on; picking on; picks on
: to single out for criticism, teasing, or bullying
picked on smaller boys
also
: to single out for a particular purpose or for special attention
Examples of pick on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The team probably doesn’t want to spend a draft pick on a punter, so the options are signing a veteran or waiting until after the selection process in April.
—
Mike Kaye
updated March 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
The Patriots need to re-sign Chaisson, who’s still available as a free agent, or spend a high pick on an edge defender.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
The adorable creature was picked on growing up, and eventually discovered a passion for medicine.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026
Earlier in Harbaugh’s Baltimore days, the Ravens spent first-round picks on Colorado corner Jimmy Smith (2011), Florida safety Matt Elam (2013) and Alabama corner Marlon Humphrey (2017), as well.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Virginia and North Carolina squared off at the Bosh for three games, with a solid crowd of scouts in attendance, including at least seven MLB scouting directors, to see the two potential first-rounders in UVA’s lineup and a half-dozen other potential Day 1 picks on the two rosters.
—Keith Law, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Making eye contact will help a hesitant child appear more confident and will help any kid to be more assertive and less likely to be picked on.
—Barrie Gillies, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
Here are our predictions on who or what will win in the Big 6 categories, as well as our picks on who or what should win.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
The Broncos have taken two offensive linemen — Alex Forsyth and Nick Gargiulo — in Payton’s three drafts in Denver, and never used more than a seventh-round pick on their front.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mike Kaye
updated March 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
The Patriots need to re-sign Chaisson, who’s still available as a free agent, or spend a high pick on an edge defender.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
The adorable creature was picked on growing up, and eventually discovered a passion for medicine.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026
Earlier in Harbaugh’s Baltimore days, the Ravens spent first-round picks on Colorado corner Jimmy Smith (2011), Florida safety Matt Elam (2013) and Alabama corner Marlon Humphrey (2017), as well.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Virginia and North Carolina squared off at the Bosh for three games, with a solid crowd of scouts in attendance, including at least seven MLB scouting directors, to see the two potential first-rounders in UVA’s lineup and a half-dozen other potential Day 1 picks on the two rosters.
—Keith Law, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Making eye contact will help a hesitant child appear more confident and will help any kid to be more assertive and less likely to be picked on.
—Barrie Gillies, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
Here are our predictions on who or what will win in the Big 6 categories, as well as our picks on who or what should win.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
The Broncos have taken two offensive linemen — Alex Forsyth and Nick Gargiulo — in Payton’s three drafts in Denver, and never used more than a seventh-round pick on their front.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pick on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pick%20on. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
