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

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. —Elizabeth Karmel, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Bake in the oven until the top of the cake is light golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025

Slide the tray onto the center rack of the preheated oven and set timer for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 8. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 23 Feb. 2025

Serve with toothpicks, and watch them get swooped up. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024

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