picking

[ pik-ing ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that picks.
2. something that is or may be picked or picked up.
3. the amount picked.
4. pickings,
   1. scraps or gleanings:

      the pickings of a feast.

   2. profits or gains; spoils.

Word History and Origins

Origin of picking¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English picung (once) a mark made by picking; pick ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Within two weeks of his release last December he was back on dating sites picking targets.

From BBC

The former chief medical officer for England said she had experienced nightmares about someone picking up discarded nerve agent after the poisoning of a former spy.

From BBC

Another change has been picking players a year young at England Under-18 level for their summer tour of South Africa, giving players more time in the set-up before stepping up to the under-20s.

From BBC

“Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as just going to the Staples and picking up some Sharpies.”

From Salon

Studying communications at Cal State Northridge, she started picking up small parts in series such as “Miami Vice” and “Knight Rider.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• choice
• collection
• draft
• election
• excerpt
• option
• pick