pick

"Pick" is a very common and useful English word with several meanings. It works as both a verb and a noun, and you will encounter it constantly in everyday conversation. Here are the most important senses to know.

1verbto choose

When you decide which one you want from a group of options, you 'pick' it. Think of it as pointing at something and saying 'I want that one.' It means the same as 'choose' or 'select', but it feels more casual and natural in everyday speech.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She picked the blue dress for the party.

You can pick any seat you like — the room is almost empty.

It was hard to pick a favourite song from the album.

2verbto take with fingers

When you use your fingers to carefully take or lift something small, you are 'picking' it. Imagine reaching down to take a flower from the ground, or lifting a small object off a table — that careful, precise action is 'picking'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The children picked strawberries from the garden.

He picked a coin up off the floor.

She picked a piece of lint off his jacket.

3verbto remove or scratch at something

When you repeatedly use your finger or a sharp object to remove or scratch at something, you are 'picking' at it. People often do this without thinking — like scratching at a scab or removing food stuck between teeth.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Please stop picking at your skin — it will make it worse.

He was nervously picking at the label on his water bottle.

She picked at her food but didn't really eat much.

4nouna choice or selection

When 'pick' is a noun, it refers to the thing you have chosen, or the act of choosing. If someone says 'take your pick', they are telling you to choose whatever you like. You might also hear 'the pick of the bunch', meaning the best one from a group.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

This restaurant is my pick for tonight's dinner.

Take your pick — all the books on this shelf are free.

He was the coach's first pick for the team.

5nouna tool for breaking or opening

A 'pick' can also be a physical tool. An ice pick is a sharp tool used to break ice. A toothpick is a small stick used to clean teeth. A guitar pick is a small flat piece of plastic used to strum guitar strings. In all these cases, the tool is used to poke, break, or strike something.

everyday language / music / construction · Modern, widely used

The guitarist dropped his pick during the concert.

Workers used a pick to break through the frozen ground.

There is a toothpick holder on every table at the restaurant.