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.

---

Etymology

Origin of picking

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

Example Sentences

He’s attended the conference many times over the years, presenting seminal papers and picking up awards for his research.

From The Wall Street Journal

There are also signs a different strain of flu - H1N1 - is picking up in Europe and may lead to an increase in cases here too.

From BBC

And from one day to the next, Golding went from defensive coordinator to picking up the pieces of one of the ugliest divorces college football has ever seen.

From The Wall Street Journal

I don’t feel that way because we’re all picking up signs and marching down the street and preaching to people that they need to keep this sacred.

From Los Angeles Times

As good as it was for most of the game, picking off Sam Darnold twice and sacking him four times, the Rams defense failed to hold up when it counted most.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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