chopstick

American  

[chop-stik] / ˈtʃɒpˌstɪk /

noun

1. one of a pair of thin, tapered sticks, often of wood or ivory, held in one hand between the thumb and fingers and used chiefly in China, Japan, and other Asian countries for lifting food to the mouth.

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Etymology

Origin of chopstick

1690–1700; Chinese Pidgin English chop quick ( see chop-chop) + stick ¹

Explanation

Chopsticks are the two small sticks used for picking up and eating food in many Asian countries. When you eat at a sushi place, you can use chopsticks or your fingers. If you master using chopsticks, you'll feel comfortable eating in Chinese or Japanese restaurants. The two slender sticks, of equal length, are held between the first fingers and thumb and moved to grab morsels of food. Chopsticks are often made of bamboo, though they can also be plastic, wood, or metal. In China, it's considered bad manners to stick your chopsticks upright in your rice, while in Vietnam it's bad luck to lay them down in a V shape.

Example Sentences

I found her treasured chopstick holders that she displayed in her dining room wherever they lived.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

But SpaceX did successfully execute the "chopstick" manoeuvre that caught the rocket booster in mechanical arms when it returned to Earth.

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2025

“When I’m at a restaurant, I will fold up the chopstick wrapper and build a little fort with the plates and chopsticks and, like, make stuff in my hands,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2024

“Dip the end of your chopstick into the saucer and then dab it on top of the fish a little bit,” he advises.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2023

Dad had his foot up on a chair and was trying to scratch an itch inside of his cast with a chopstick.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen