pick out

verb

1. to select for use or special consideration, illustration, etc, as from a group

2. to distinguish (an object from its surroundings), as in painting

   she picked out the woodwork in white

3. to perceive or recognize (a person or thing previously obscured)

   we picked out his face among the crowd

4. to distinguish (sense or meaning) from or as if from a mass of detail or complication

5. to play (a tune) tentatively, by or as if by ear

Idioms and Phrases

Choose, select, as in She picked out the best piece of fabric . [Early 1500s]

Distinguish, discern from one's surroundings, as in They managed to pick out their mother from the crowd . [Mid-1500s]

Identify the notes of a tune and play it on an instrument, as in When she was four she could pick out folk songs on the piano . [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Right now, though, I've lost him to the record store's vinyl bins, picking out old favourites by the Stone Roses, Brand New Heavies and Cypress Hill - and prompting a moment of introspection.

From BBC

He is looking at one of the photos the women have picked out, comparing it to a photo of Karim aged two.

From BBC

They would often all dig through estate sales and antique stores, with Shelley helping pick out which vintage clothes to purchase.

From Los Angeles Times

LB: I was in the youth age groups, but I was never the star player, or the one that was picked out.

From BBC

David Foster would always say to me, “Don’t be the perfect voice — be the voice that you can pick out in a crowded restaurant in five seconds.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accept 
• admit 
• appoint 
• conclude 
• designate 
• determine 
• name 
• nominate 
• pick 
• receive 
• resolve 
• take 
• vote 
• vote for www.thesaurus.com