picky
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of picky
Explanation
If you're extremely particular or fussy, you're picky. A picky eater might only eat chicken nuggets and tater tots. When you invite your picky friend to dinner, you'll probably have a hard time deciding what to serve, since she hates all vegetables; and if you're picky about sleeping in a comfortable, clean place, you might not be a fan of camping. Picky people are hard to please — they like things to be a certain way. This informal word first appeared in the 1860s.
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.
"Soon after their rediscovery, breeding them in captivity was tried, but that didn't work out, particularly because of how picky they are with their food resources," she said.
From Science Daily • May 20, 2026
Angelenos will also find their ballot crowded with other tax hike proposals, which may leave some voters feeling picky.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
India Lerigo, who works in Cardiff, said she saves about £100 a month making food for her Staffy, Luna, who needs expensive food because she has allergies and is "very picky".
From BBC • May 5, 2026
Buyers are picky while prices and mortgage rates remain high, but homes in move-in condition can go quickly.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
He was picky and frugal and seemed not to care how the building looked as long as it was functional.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
