toothpick

American  

[tooth-pik] / ˈtuθˌpɪk /

noun

• toothpicks
  plural

1. a small pointed piece of wood, plastic, etc., for removing substances, especially food particles, from between the teeth.

---

toothpick British  

/ ˈtuːθˌpɪk /

noun

1. a small sharp sliver of wood, plastic, etc, used for extracting pieces of food from between the teeth

2. a slang word for bowie knife

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• toothpicks
  plural

---

Etymology

Origin of toothpick

First recorded in 1480–90; tooth + pick ²

---

Explanation

A toothpick is a device made for cleaning bits of food out of your teeth. Toothpicks are also used to pick up small appetizers or other tidbits. At a fancy party, use toothpicks for eating hors d'oeuvres, not for digging food out of your teeth! Tooth-picking is, in fact, the original intended use of these handy tools. Experts believe that toothpicks were invented long before modern humans evolved—there's evidence that Neanderthals used toothpicks. In the 17th century, toothpicks were a luxury (and sometimes made of silver), but by the early 20th century, factories were mass producing wooden toothpicks for everyone to enjoy.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

toothpick toothpicks

Paparazzi captured images of Antonoff, Swift's longtime producer, sporting a tux and a toothpick dangling out of his mouth, reportedly heading to Thursday's event at the Garden.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

Stick a toothpick in the center, serve on a large platter and enjoy.

From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2026

Heavier spars require a larger sail while people who build miniature kites sometimes don’t include a spar or will only use half a toothpick, Choi said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2026

He recommends a toothpick or one of iFixit’s $15 cleaning kits.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 21, 2025

My cousins shift a little, and he pulls out something that he puts into his mouth—a toothpick.

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi

And businesses can turn it into products ranging from furniture to toothpicks.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 23, 2024

He told MLB.com in 2016 that he goes through at least two in every game, totaling well over 8,000 toothpicks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2023

Arrange in a pretty serving bowl or dish with toothpicks or cocktail forks.

From Salon ● Jul. 6, 2023

Back in the costume department, the desks are covered in pins, cotton, fabric, toothpicks, glue bottles and scissors.

From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2023

And though I let her have her buttons or her rocks, or at the Officers’ Club her toothpicks, she seems easier and more present.

From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---