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, 16 Apr. 2025

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, 35 to 40 minutes. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025

The guy who worked there took out a toothpick and ground it into the back of the tuner and was able to get traction. —John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2025

These small tapas-like bites are often skewered with a toothpick and include everything from spider crab and seared foie gras to the classic Gilda (anchovy, olive, and pickled pepper). —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Mar. 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