a pointed or sharpened stake, post, or pale, typically one of a series driven into the ground to form a fence or boundary, 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, a small detachment of soldiers or warships posted on a particular duty

on the picket line, a picket fence mentality, a picket boat

picket fence, picket duty, cross the picket line

Formal and Informal Expressions of picket

In different contexts, you can replace 'picket' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'stake, post, detachment' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'peg, stick' is a commonplace synonym.

picket: Explore its Definition & Usage

picket Definition

1a pointed or sharpened stake, post, or pale, typically one of a series driven into the ground to form a fence or boundary
2a 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
3a 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

Antonyms for picket

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.