pluck

[plʌk]

pluck Definition

  • 1to pull something quickly in order to remove it
  • 2to remove feathers or hairs from a bird or animal
  • 3to play the strings of a musical instrument with your fingers

Using pluck: Examples

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

  • Example

    She plucked a flower from the garden.

  • Example

    He plucked the chicken before cooking it.

  • Example

    He plucked the guitar strings expertly.

  • Example

    She plucked up the courage to ask for a raise.

pluck Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pluck

Antonyms for pluck

Phrases with pluck

  • pluck up

    to summon one's courage or confidence

    Example

    I had to pluck up the courage to ask her out.

  • to invent something without any evidence or basis

    Example

    I don't know where he got that idea from; he just plucked it out of thin air.

  • pluck at someone's heartstrings

    to evoke strong emotions or sympathy from someone

    Example

    The movie's ending was designed to pluck at the audience's heartstrings.

Origins of pluck

from Old English 'pluccian', meaning 'to pluck, pull off, snatch away'

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Summary: pluck in Brief

The verb 'pluck' [plʌk] refers to the act of pulling something quickly to remove it, removing feathers or hairs from an animal, or playing the strings of a musical instrument. It can also mean to summon one's courage or confidence, as in 'She plucked up the courage to ask for a raise.' 'Pluck' is used in phrases like 'pluck out of thin air,' meaning to invent something without evidence, and 'pluck at someone's heartstrings,' meaning to evoke strong emotions.

How do native speakers use this expression?