peck
verb (used with object)
to strike or indent with the beak, as a bird does, or with some pointed instrument, especially with quick, repeated movements.
pecking
-
present participleof peck.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Perhaps the Chargers’ first preseason game — and who plays first, most or not at all during it — will indicate a pecking order.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
“We keep pecking, pecking, pecking at them, and I start to see light at the end of the tunnel.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has fallen down the England pecking order.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026
Although Rew was named in the England squad for the first Test, Cox moved ahead of him in the pecking order for the second Test and was named in the hosts' XI on Monday.
From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026
Mam’s cry: “You spoiled him rotten, and now he’ll never be a man”—and Gram’s retort: “You keep pecking at him and soon he won’t come home at all.”
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
