picked
1 Americanadjective
-
specially chosen or selected, usually for special skill.
a crew of picked men.
-
cleared or cleaned by or as if by picking.
picked fruit.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of picked1
Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at pick 1, -ed 2
Origin of picked2
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at pick 2, -ed 3
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.
In the kitchen, the other robot picked up a spoon rest and placed it out of the way as it began cleaning the counter.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
“When one of their pitchers faltered, the next guy came in and picked up the slack.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
OTTAWA—Canadian manufacturing activity picked up in August on the back of higher prices and with record metal sales for the month.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
If you have ever been picked last for a sports team, or not invited to a party, you might know how the Borough of Swindon feels right now.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
“You picked the right line,” the woman behind the counter said, laughing.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.