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

Insert a toothpick in the center, which should come out with a few crumbs. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 June 2025

Fill the hole with wood glue, then push a toothpick into the hole. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025

Gigi Perez walked into a Brooklyn restaurant last week with a toothpick wedged in her mouth, stood up after dinner and slid in another one. —Dani Blum, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

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

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