pick out

verb

picked out; picking out; picks out

transitive verb

1
2
: to play the notes of by ear or one by one
picking out tunes on the piano

Examples of pick out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Piya Mashi also picked out matching green tops made of some synthetic material with a flouncy panel at the neckline. Jhumpa Lahiri, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 Watching his son evolve from a 4-star recruit out of Columbus High School in Miami to an eventual first-round pick out of Michigan State, Richardson doesn’t get too nervous or overly excited when Jase is on the court. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025 Career to date Wicks, a fifth round draft pick out of Virginia in 2023, finished third on the Packers during his rookie season with 39 receptions. Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 The former fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin seemed to be on his way to stardom after a strong second season in the NFL. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pick out

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pick out was in 1540

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pick out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pick%20out. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pick out

verb
1
: to see or detect with some difficulty
picked out the trail in the snow
2
: to play the notes of by ear or one by one
pick out a tune

More from Merriam-Webster on pick out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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