picking

American  

[pik-ing] / ˈpɪk ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that picks.

2. something that is or may be picked or picked up.

3. the amount picked.

4. pickings,

   1. scraps or gleanings.

      the pickings of a feast.

   2. profits or gains; spoils.

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Etymology

Origin of picking

before 900; Middle English; Old English picung (once) a mark made by picking; pick ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

While the volatility is painful, it is also creating big opportunities for investors, and it’s a perfect time to be picking stocks.

From Barron's

If the mercury is going to hit 100 degrees and wind is picking up — and in previous years that led to withering flowers — that will guide the prediction.

From Los Angeles Times

Two years later One Nation appeared ascendant, picking up 11 seats in Queensland's state election and winning 8.4% of primary votes in the federal election.

From BBC

It is one of a family of disorders known as body-focused repetitive behaviours, or BFRBs, like biting nails or picking at skin.

From BBC

But soon, they were calling upsets, picking against the crowd—and beating the humans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• choice
• collection
• draft
• election
• excerpt
• option
• pick