plural pickets
1
: a stick or post that is pointed at the end so that it can be put into the ground
a house surrounded by a white picket fence
2
a
: a person or group of people who are standing or marching near a place to protest something
Pickets marched in front of the company headquarters.
The strikers held picket signs painted with angry slogans.
b
British
: a protest or strike involving pickets
The students were barred from holding a picket outside the company's headquarters.
3
: a soldier or a group of soldiers whose duty is to guard something (such as a camp)
pickets; picketed; picketing
1
: to stand or march in a public place in order to protest something or to prevent other workers from going to work during a strike
Workers picketed outside the grocery store.
The union is picketing the factory.
2
: to guard (something, such as a road or camp) with a group of soldiers
Cite this Entry
“Picket.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/picket. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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