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

Add 4 or 5 drops of food coloring to a small section and mix it around with a toothpick or a straw. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026

Bake at 350° F for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 55 to 65 minutes. —Via Chronicle Books, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026

Bake 20-22 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. —Laura McLively, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 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