handpick

[ hand-pik ]

verb (used with object)

1. to pick by hand.
2. to select personally and with care:

   The boss handpicked his assistants.

Word History and Origins

Origin of handpick¹

First recorded in 1825–35; hand + pick ¹

Example Sentences

South Carolina, unlike any other state, allows state senators to handpick judges for their districts without any input from outside lawmakers.

From ProPublica

Rather, they are carefully orchestrated by the 82-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his Guardian Council, a body through which he handpicks the candidates.

From Time

“We handpick the creators that we let on to our platform and keep it invite-only because we want to make sure that our earliest creators are helping to set the tone and building the culture of the community,” she says.

From TechCrunch

We’re comfortable with a trendy restaurant in an affluent community, saying, “When you finish your tea and you finish your Merlot, now, go on up to the rooftop and we’re going to handpick some of your micro greens,” and it’s acceptable.

From Eater

Make sure to do a thorough search and handpick only those communities that discuss subjects relevant to your niche.

From Search Engine Watch

Our city editors are seasoned food editors who handpick every restaurant based on what we love.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• pick