peck Definition
- 1to strike or pick up something with the beak, especially a bird's beak
- 2a unit of dry measure equal to 8 quarts or approximately 9 liters
- 3a quick and light kiss
Using peck: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "peck" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The birds were pecking at the ground for food.
Example
She pecked at her food, not really hungry.
Example
He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before leaving.
Example
I need a peck of apples for my pie recipe.
peck Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with peck
a hierarchy of status seen in many social groups, such as chickens, where each member knows its place in the group and is subservient to those above it
Example
The new employee quickly learned his place in the company's pecking order.
Example
The project has had a peck of troubles, but we're still pushing forward.
Example
She was feeling sick, so she just picked and pecked at her food.
Summary: peck in Brief
Peck [pek] can be used as a verb to describe the action of a bird striking or picking up something with its beak, or as a noun to describe a unit of dry measure or a quick and light kiss. It can also be used in phrases like 'pecking order,' which refers to a hierarchy of status, and 'a peck of troubles,' which means a lot of problems. 'Pick and peck' is an informal phrase that means to eat slowly and without much appetite.
