pick
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pick, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To choose one thing from a number of options.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pick
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English roots meaning "to pick, peck, or prick," related to Dutch pikken and German picken.
Full origin of pick →Frequently asked questions
What does “pick” mean?
The word “pick” means to choose one thing from a number of options. In plain terms, to choose, gather, pluck, or pry something loose — or a tool/object used for that purpose.
How do you pronounce “pick”?
“Pick” is pronounced pihk (/pɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “pick” in a sentence?
Here is “pick” used in a sentence: “She picked the blue dress for the party.”
What part of speech is “pick”?
Depending on how it is used, “pick” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pick” come from?
The word “pick” comes from Old English. From Old English roots meaning "to pick, peck, or prick," related to Dutch pikken and German picken.
Is “pick” a common word?
“Pick” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “pick” have?
“Pick” has 7 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to choose one thing from a number of options.
What is the difference between pick and choose?
Pick and choose are close in meaning, and both involve selecting from options. Pick is more casual and often quicker or more spontaneous, as in "pick a card." Choose can suggest a bit more thought and weighing of alternatives. In most everyday sentences they are interchangeable.
What is an example of pick used in a sentence?
You might say, "Pick a colour for the walls," or "She was picked for the team." In both, one thing is selected from several options, whether a shade of paint or a player from a group. That act of selecting is the core meaning of the verb.
Is pick formal or informal?
As a verb meaning to choose, pick is fairly casual and common in everyday speech. In more formal writing, select or choose often feels more polished. Still, pick is perfectly correct and widely understood, so it fits most conversations and general writing without any problem.