pluck

[plʌk]

pluck Definition

• 1. to pull something quickly in order to remove it
• 2. to remove feathers or hairs from a bird or animal
• 3. to 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

• pull
• tug
• yank
• extract
• harvest

Antonyms for pluck

• insert
• plant
• push

Phrases with pluck

• pluck up

  to summon one's courage or confidence

  Example

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

• pluck out of thin air

  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'

📌

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.