pitchfork
noun
pitch·fork
ˈpich-ˌfȯrk 
: a long-handled fork that has two or three long somewhat curved prongs and is used especially in pitching hay
pitchfork
transitive verb
Examples of pitchfork in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As the wagon passed along the row, men used big pitchforks to toss the hay up to another man on the wagon who would level it on the wagon’s bed.
—
Helen Shriver Riley, Baltimore Sun, 29 July 2023
There, someone would release the load into the hay mow, where someone else with a pitchfork would level the pile.
—Helen Shriver Riley, Baltimore Sun, 29 July 2023
This five-piece pink and black tool set includes a transporting trowel, hand rake, weed puller, hand trowel, and a small pitchfork.
—Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2023
High in Spain’s southern mountains, 40 or so people armed with pitchforks and spades cleared stones and piles of grass from an earthwork channel built centuries ago and still keeping the slopes green.
—Constant Méheut, New York Times, 19 July 2023
Leon is about to be butchered by pitchfork and chainsaw-wielding Spanish farmers, but then a tolling bell suddenly psychically summons them away.
—WIRED, 22 June 2023
Readers find errors; social media post with a false allegation brings out the pitchforks Readers have always been valuable sources of feedback — either by spotting errors or reminding editors and reporters of word choice.
—Adrian Vore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2023
In the black frame was a black and white pic of the pair dressed for farm work holding a chicken and a pitchfork.
—Sam Burros, Peoplemag, 13 June 2023
With each offensive — and claimed victories — the activists wielding the pitchforks have become more emboldened and the business atmosphere more chilled.
—Oliver Darcy, CNN, 31 May 2023
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Helen Shriver Riley, Baltimore Sun, 29 July 2023
There, someone would release the load into the hay mow, where someone else with a pitchfork would level the pile.
—Helen Shriver Riley, Baltimore Sun, 29 July 2023
This five-piece pink and black tool set includes a transporting trowel, hand rake, weed puller, hand trowel, and a small pitchfork.
—Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2023
High in Spain’s southern mountains, 40 or so people armed with pitchforks and spades cleared stones and piles of grass from an earthwork channel built centuries ago and still keeping the slopes green.
—Constant Méheut, New York Times, 19 July 2023
Leon is about to be butchered by pitchfork and chainsaw-wielding Spanish farmers, but then a tolling bell suddenly psychically summons them away.
—WIRED, 22 June 2023
Readers find errors; social media post with a false allegation brings out the pitchforks Readers have always been valuable sources of feedback — either by spotting errors or reminding editors and reporters of word choice.
—Adrian Vore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2023
In the black frame was a black and white pic of the pair dressed for farm work holding a chicken and a pitchfork.
—Sam Burros, Peoplemag, 13 June 2023
With each offensive — and claimed victories — the activists wielding the pitchforks have become more emboldened and the business atmosphere more chilled.
—Oliver Darcy, CNN, 31 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pitchfork.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of pitchfork was
in the 13th century
Dictionary Entries Near pitchfork
Cite this Entry
“Pitchfork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitchfork. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
pitchfork
noun
pitch·fork
ˈpich-ˌfȯ(ə)rk
: a tool with a long handle and usually two to five metal prongs that is used especially in pitching hay
pitchfork
verb
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