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 60 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025

Serve these with toothpicks for picking them up at a tailgate or get-together. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025

Failing to remove large food residue, toothpicks, napkins, and other debris will quickly clog your dishwasher's filter and likely cause further damage. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025

The hooks are small—a little longer than a toothpick—so they're ideally sized for getting into young kids' hair or really intricate hairstyles. —Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 18 Sep. 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