pick at: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to neutral, conversational
Quick answer
What does “pick at” mean?
To touch, pull at, or move something with your fingers in a restless or nervous way, or to eat something in small amounts without interest.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To touch, pull at, or move something with your fingers in a restless or nervous way, or to eat something in small amounts without interest.
To repeatedly criticize someone or find fault with something in a minor, nagging way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. The phrasal verb is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of fussiness, nervousness, or petty criticism.
Frequency
Equally common and natural in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “pick at” in a Sentence
[Subject] pick at [Object (thing/meal/person)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pick at” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She picked at the label on her beer bottle during the awkward conversation.
- Stop picking at that spot on your face!
American English
- He just picked at his salad, clearly not hungry.
- My boss always picks at tiny formatting errors in my reports.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; could be used metaphorically: 'The committee kept picking at minor budget line items instead of approving the overall plan.'
Academic
Rare; may appear in psychology/sociology texts describing behaviour or criticism.
Everyday
Very common, especially regarding food and minor criticisms.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pick at”
- Using 'pick on' (to bully) instead of 'pick at' (to fuss/criticize minorly).
- Using 'pick up' (to lift) incorrectly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Pick at' means to fuss over or make minor criticisms about something or someone. 'Pick on' means to bully, tease, or single someone out unfairly for criticism or blame.
Yes, it's very common. It describes eating slowly and without interest, taking only small bites (e.g., 'She picked at her food all evening').
It is primarily used in informal and neutral contexts. It would sound odd in very formal writing.
Mostly yes. Whether it's fussing with an object, eating without appetite, or criticizing petty details, it conveys a sense of dissatisfaction, nervousness, or lack of proper engagement.
To touch, pull at, or move something with your fingers in a restless or nervous way, or to eat something in small amounts without interest.
Pick at: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪk ət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪk ət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't pick at it, it'll get infected.”
- “He just likes to pick at old wounds.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chicken 'pecking' at grain – small, fussy, non-committal actions. 'Pick at' is the human equivalent.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS PHYSICAL PICKING (picking apart, picking at flaws)
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely meaning of 'pick at' in this sentence: 'Throughout the meeting, Sarah kept picking at my proposal.'?