picky

[ pik-ee ]

adjective

, pick·i·er, pick·i·est.

1. extremely fussy or finicky, usually over trifles.

picky

/ ˈpɪkɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   fussy; finicky; choosy

Derived Forms

• ˈpickily, adverb
• ˈpickiness, noun

Other Words From

• picki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of picky¹

First recorded in 1865–70; pick ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

As her oldest son goes through “picky stages, I like that he is still getting some kale and beets,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

The whole list skews more recent, suggesting current players are more picky about their chances from distance; shooting less frequently, but more successfully.

From BBC

Like tomatoes, watermelons are picky about how much rain they prefer, and they also like an abundance of warm sunny days in between those rains.

From Salon

Burnett, who is nominated in the supporting actress in a comedy category, is picky about what projects she takes on.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Duyile said she was being "extra picky" and so specific about the order that she "might sound like a crazy mum" but her attitude was that she needed "to be straight with the staff".

From BBC