pitchfork

American  

[pich-fawrk] / ˈpɪtʃˌfɔrk /

noun

1. a large, long-handled fork for manually lifting and pitching hay, stalks of grain, etc.

2. Northern U.S. pitchforks, beggar's-lice, especially the achenes of Spanish needles.

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verb (used with object)

1. to pitch or throw with or as if with a pitchfork.

pitchfork British  

/ ˈpɪtʃˌfɔːk /

noun

1. a long-handled fork with two or three long curved tines for lifting, turning, or tossing hay

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verb

1. to use a pitchfork on (something)

2. to thrust (someone) unwillingly into a position

Etymology

Origin of pitchfork

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at pitch ¹, fork

Explanation

A pitchfork is a large three-pronged tool used for gardening or farming. If you want to see an image of a pitchfork, just google an image of the famous painting "American Gothic." With a pitchfork, a farmer can easily scoop beneath a pile of hay or straw, lift it, and toss it into a pile. Most pitchforks have wooden handles and metal prongs, and they've been around since the Middle Ages. Back then, they were sometimes used as a weapon too. The word pitchfork comes from the "toss or throw" meaning of pitch, plus fork, from the Old English forca, "forked instrument or weapon."

Example Sentences

Geese dropped their third studio album, “Getting Killed,” in September to raves, including a rare 9.0 score from influential music review site Pitchfork.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

Following the Parole Board's decision to deny release, South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa said he was "reassured" Pitchfork was still viewed as a risk to public safety.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2025

Music industry bible Pitchfork credited D'Angelo with helping to "define the neo-soul movement."

From Barron's • Oct. 14, 2025

“Sentir Que No Sabes” has been hailed as a masterpiece by critics worldwide, from Pitchfork to the Guardian.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2025

“A whole pack of foxes, maybe,” said Pitchfork doubtfully, “if the island’s even got that many.”

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs