picking

American  

[pik-ing] / ˈpɪk ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that picks.

2. something that is or may be picked or picked up.

3. the amount picked.

4. pickings,

   1. scraps or gleanings.

      the pickings of a feast.

   2. profits or gains; spoils.

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Etymology

Origin of picking

before 900; Middle English; Old English picung (once) a mark made by picking; pick ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The drovers would forage along the way, picking berries, acorns and gleaning corn for the birds to eat.

From BBC

Consumer spending grew at an annual rate of 3.5% in the third quarter, picking up from 2.5% in the previous quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal

U.S. natural gas futures settled lower in volatile trade, picking up from early lows after midday weather forecasts added some cold to the outlook that had already turned colder over the weekend.

From The Wall Street Journal

He merely observes there’s a race, points out the horses that haven’t collapsed, and suggests betting on the field might be wiser than picking the champion.

From MarketWatch

Even if businesses want to hire, the pickings are slimmer, especially in low-skill occupations at hotels and restaurants.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• choice
• collection
• draft
• election
• excerpt
• option
• pick