peck: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal for verb and kiss sense; formal/archaic for the dry measure noun.
Quick answer
What does “peck” mean?
To strike or bite something quickly and lightly with the beak.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To strike or bite something quickly and lightly with the beak.
To give someone a quick, light kiss, especially on the cheek. To eat food in small, unenthusiastic bites. (Nouns) A unit of dry volume equal to 2 gallons or 8 dry quarts; a quick, light kiss or bite.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use all core senses. The dry measure 'peck' is largely archaic in both but might appear in historical contexts or idioms ('a peck of trouble').
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally common for the primary 'bird' and 'kiss' senses. The 'eating' sense ('peck at one's food') is slightly more common in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “peck” in a Sentence
[Subject] pecks [Object][Subject] pecks at [Object][Subject] gives [Indirect Object] a peck [on the cheek]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peck” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pigeons were pecking at crumbs on the pavement.
- He just pecked at his salad, clearly not hungry.
- She leant in to peck him on the cheek.
American English
- The chicken pecked my finger when I reached in.
- Quit pecking at me! I'll do it later.
- He pecked his daughter on the forehead before leaving.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form. 'Peckingly' is non-standard/rare.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- 'Peckish' is the related adjective meaning slightly hungry.
American English
- 'Peckish' is understood but less common than 'hungry'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The new manager quickly established the pecking order.'
Academic
In biology/zoology: 'The chick will peck at the eggshell to hatch.'
Everyday
Common for describing bird behavior and casual kisses: 'The robin pecked the worm. She gave her gran a peck goodbye.'
Technical
The dry measure is technical/archaic in agriculture.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peck”
- Using 'peck' for a deep kiss. *'They pecked passionately.' (Incorrect)
- Confusing 'peck' (verb) with 'beak' (noun). *'The bird used its peck.' (Incorrect, should be 'beak')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its most common use is for birds, but it is frequently used for people giving light kisses ('a peck on the cheek') and for eating unenthusiastically ('peck at food').
A 'peck' is a light, quick strike with a beak (or metaphorically a light kiss). A 'bite' involves gripping or cutting with teeth and is typically more substantial.
Yes, it's an imperial unit of dry volume, equal to 2 gallons or 8 dry quarts. However, it is now largely archaic and mostly found in idioms ('a peck of trouble').
Yes. 'To peck at someone' means to criticise or nag them constantly with minor complaints. 'To peck at food' also has a negative connotation of having no appetite.
To strike or bite something quickly and lightly with the beak.
Peck is usually informal for verb and kiss sense; formal/archaic for the dry measure noun. in register.
Peck: in British English it is pronounced /pɛk/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɛk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pecking order (a hierarchy)”
- “a peck of trouble (a lot of trouble, archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a woodPECKer – it PECKs at tree bark. The sound of the word is short and sharp, like the action.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/ANNOYANCE IS PECKING ('The critics pecked away at his reputation. She kept pecking at him about the chores.')
Practice
Quiz
What does 'pecking order' metaphorically refer to?