toothpick

noun

tooth·​pick ˈtüth-ˌpik 

: a pointed instrument (such as a slender tapering piece of wood) for removing food particles lodged between the teeth

Examples of toothpick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These were titans of the home run, outlandish talents whose bats looked like toothpicks in their hands. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026

Logs dangle like toothpicks from machines with hydraulic claws, and the whole scene is enveloped in dust. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026

Uncover and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is puffed and appears dry, and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for toothpick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• joystick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick

Kids Definition

toothpick

noun

tooth·​pick -ˌpik 

: a pointed instrument (as a thin piece of wood) for removing substances caught between the teeth

Medical Definition

toothpick

noun

tooth·​pick -ˌpik 

: a pointed instrument (as a slender tapering piece of wood) used for removing food particles lodged between the teeth