picky

[pik-ee]

adjective

pickier, pickiest 

1. extremely fussy or finicky, usually over trifles.

picky

/ ˈpɪkɪ /

adjective

1. informal,  fussy; finicky; choosy

Other Word Forms

• pickiness noun
• pickily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of picky¹

First recorded in 1865–70; pick ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

"To come away with a win, I'm really picky with performances but I don't care," Bellamy added.

From BBC

Her daughter has always been a picky eater, so introducing new foods at school without the pressure of having mom and dad nearby was helpful — and still is, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Turns out, the dog was just being picky, as he later scarfed down a bougie natural formula.

From Los Angeles Times

As new economic policies, including those around tariffs, create more unease among businesses, companies are reining in costs while also being pickier about whom they hire.

From Los Angeles Times

Hazel is newly picky, but if she were to go out to dinner with me, she would love Joey in Woodland Hills, which offers a wide-ranging menu.

From Los Angeles Times