toothpick

noun

tooth·​pick ˈtüth-ˌpik How to pronounce toothpick (audio)
: a pointed instrument (such as a slender tapering piece of wood) for removing food particles lodged between the teeth

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Build a teepee over the tinder using dry sticks that are about the thickness of a toothpick or a hair larger. Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 14 Feb. 2023 Sprinkle generously with flaked sea salt and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center just comes out clean. Morgan Hines, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2022 Bake until a toothpick inserted at center of cake comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Sutanya Dacres, WSJ, 3 Mar. 2023 Local artist Randall Umland does the breeding these days, using a toothpick to spread pollen from one candidate to another, hoping to create a beautiful hybrid but having to wait for years to see any results. Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2023 Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2023 Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, checking after 30 minutes (see NOTE), or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 22 Sep. 2022 Transfer the batter to the loaf pan, spread evenly to the edges, and bake until crusty and golden brown on the top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 75 to 80 minutes. San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2022 Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean from the middle of the cake, and the cake starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. CNN, 20 Dec. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'toothpick.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toothpick was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near toothpick

Cite this Entry

“Toothpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toothpick. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

toothpick

noun
tooth·​pick -ˌpik How to pronounce toothpick (audio)
: a pointed instrument (as a thin piece of wood) for removing substances caught between the teeth

Medical Definition

toothpick

noun
tooth·​pick -ˌpik How to pronounce toothpick (audio)
: a pointed instrument (as a slender tapering piece of wood) used for removing food particles lodged between the teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on toothpick

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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