noun
Common
pic
pihk
Pic (noun) means an informal word for a photograph. Example: “Can you send me a pic of the cake you baked?”
noun
1
An informal word for a photograph.
"Can you send me a pic of the cake you baked?"
"Send me a pic of the new apartment."
"She posted a pic from her holiday."
2
An informal word for a movie.
"We went to see a new pic about a family of explorers."
"That old pic is a classic, and I have watched it three times."
"The studio's next big pic releases this summer."
How to use pic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCasual shorthand for a picture or, less commonly, a movie.
When to use it
Informal — used in texting and casual speech, not formal writing.
Common pairings
take a pic
send a pic
profile pic
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Word forms
- Plural
- pics, pix
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Can you send me a _____ of the cake you baked?
Etymology
A shortening of "picture."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “pic” mean?
The word “pic” means an informal word for a photograph. In plain terms, casual shorthand for a picture or, less commonly, a movie.
How do you pronounce “pic”?
“Pic” is pronounced pihk (/pɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “pic” in a sentence?
Here is “pic” used in a sentence: “Send me a pic of the new apartment.”
What part of speech is “pic”?
“Pic” is a noun.
Is “pic” a common word?
“Pic” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pic” have?
“Pic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal word for a photograph.
What is the difference between "pic" and "picture"?
"Pic" is simply an informal, shortened form of "picture," most often meaning a photograph. They refer to the same thing, but "pic" belongs to casual speech, texting, and social media, while "picture" is neutral and suitable in any register.
Is "pic" too informal for professional writing?
Yes, "pic" is an informal word and is best avoided in formal or professional contexts such as reports, business emails, or academic writing. Use "photograph," "photo," or "image" instead, and save "pic" for texts, chats, and social media captions.
What is the plural of "pic"?
The plural of "pic" is "pics," formed simply by adding an -s. You will often see it in casual phrases like "send me some pics" or "holiday pics."
Does "pic" ever mean a movie instead of a photo?
Yes. Besides meaning a photograph, "pic" can informally refer to a movie or film, a usage common in entertainment-industry slang, as in a "summer pic" or "a big-budget pic." The intended meaning is usually clear from context.
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