picketing

American  

[pik-it-ing] / ˈpɪk ɪt ɪŋ /

adjective

1. standing or marching, usually while holding a placard or sign, in front of a workplace, embassy, etc., as during a strike or demonstration.

   Local people have dropped off food supplies and newspapers for the picketing workers outside the plant.

2. Military, Navy, Air Force. acting as a guard in front of other troops or vessels to warn against an enemy advance.

   The enemy made us defend every inch, and it wasn’t long before our picketing troops ahead were engaged.

   The British squadrons had been weakened by the ambush on their picketing submarines.

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noun

1. the act of standing or marching with placards or signs in front of a workplace, embassy, etc., as during a strike or demonstration.

   Peace activists instituted regular picketing of the weekly cabinet meetings and held vigils throughout the country.

Etymology

Origin of picketing

First recorded in 1830–40; picket ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; picket ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

“If Augusta National wants people picketing outside their gates,” he says, “they’d stop the gnome.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

But during the Oscars, which was produced by Quincy Jones, Goldberg, who was hosting, took a swipe at the civil rights leader who was picketing across town.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

The picketing machinists benefited from a strike fund while they were off the job but were under increasing pressure as healthcare coverage lapsed for some families.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

The union said it was preparing to challenge the injunction, but said it agreed to abide by the law on picketing.

From BBC • May 31, 2025

After an intense lobbying campaign, which included letters, petitions, and more picketing, Carvie Oldham agreed to meet with tenants to hear their grievances—an important first.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• advocacy
• involvement
• militancy