picket

[ˈpɪkɪt]

picket Definition

• 1. a pointed or sharpened stake, post, or pale, typically one of a series driven into the ground to form a fence or boundary
• 2. a person or group of people who stand outside a workplace or other venue as a protest or to try to persuade others not to enter during a strike
• 3. a small detachment of soldiers or warships posted on a particular duty

Using picket: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "picket" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The garden was enclosed by a picket fence.

• Example

  The union organized a picket line outside the factory.

• Example

  The picket of soldiers guarded the entrance to the base.

• Example

  She was arrested for crossing the picket line during the strike.

picket Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for picket

• stake
• post
• pole
• peg
• barrier

Antonyms for picket

• opening
• entrance

Idioms Using picket

• on the picket line

  actively participating in a strike or protest

  Example

  The workers were on the picket line for weeks before the company agreed to their demands.

• a picket fence mentality

  an attitude characterized by narrow-mindedness and a desire to exclude outsiders or dissenting opinions

  Example

  The town had a picket fence mentality, with residents suspicious of anyone from outside the community.

• a picket boat

  a small boat used for patrolling or scouting

  Example

  The navy sent a picket boat to investigate the enemy's position.

Phrases with picket

• picket fence

  a fence made of pointed stakes or posts driven into the ground, forming a picket.

  Example

  The house had a charming white picket fence around it.

• picket duty

  a military assignment that involves standing guard or watch at a particular location

  Example

  He was assigned to picket duty at the entrance to the base.

• cross the picket line

  to go to work or enter a building despite a labor strike and the presence of picketers

  Example

  Some workers crossed the picket line to keep their jobs.

Origins of picket

from French 'piquet', meaning 'a stake or picket'

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Summary: picket in Brief

The term 'picket' [ˈpɪkɪt] refers to a pointed stake or post driven into the ground to form a fence or boundary. It also denotes a person or group of people who protest outside a workplace or other venue, or a small detachment of soldiers or warships posted on a particular duty. Examples include 'The union organized a picket line outside the factory,' and 'She was arrested for crossing the picket line during the strike.' Phrases like 'picket fence' and idioms like 'on the picket line' are also common.