pluck
20 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pluck, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pull something out or off with a quick, sharp motion.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pluck
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English "pluccian", meaning to pull or tear away; the noun sense of "courage" grew out of an older meaning of "heart and lungs" — the organs pulled from a butchered animal, with "heart" coming to stand for bravery.
Full origin of pluck →Frequently asked questions
What does “pluck” mean?
The word “pluck” means to pull something out or off with a quick, sharp motion. In plain terms, to pull something out sharply, or (as a noun) spirited courage in a tough spot.
How do you pronounce “pluck”?
“Pluck” is pronounced pluhk (/plʌk/ in IPA).
How do you use “pluck” in a sentence?
Here is “pluck” used in a sentence: “She plucked a stray hair from her sleeve.”
What part of speech is “pluck”?
Depending on how it is used, “pluck” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pluck” come from?
The word “pluck” comes from Old English.
Is “pluck” a common word?
“Pluck” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “pluck” have?
“Pluck” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pull something out or off with a quick, sharp motion.