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

Why is it me they're picking on?

From BBC

“Wow,” former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger, posted on X. “Trump picking Pete Hegseth is the most hilariously predictably stupid thing.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Among them is grandmother, Aida al-Horan, who has also been picking up soup.

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

Related Words

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