pitchfork

American  

[pich-fawrk] / ˈpɪtʃˌfɔrk /

noun

1. a large, long-handled fork for manually lifting and pitching pitch pitching hay, stalks of grain, etc.

2. Northern U.S. pitchforks, beggar's-lice, especially the achenes of Spanish needles.

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verb (used with object)

1. to pitch or throw with or as if with a pitchfork.

pitchfork British  

/ ˈpɪtʃˌfɔːk /

noun

1. a long-handled fork with two or three long curved tines for lifting, turning, or tossing hay

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verb

1. to use a pitchfork on (something)

2. to thrust (someone) unwillingly into a position

Etymology

Origin of pitchfork

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; pitch ¹, fork

Explanation

A pitchfork is a large three-pronged tool used for gardening or farming. If you want to see an image of a pitchfork, just google an image of the famous painting "American Gothic." With a pitchfork, a farmer can easily scoop beneath a pile of hay or straw, lift it, and toss it into a pile. Most pitchforks have wooden handles and metal prongs, and they've been around since the Middle Ages. Back then, they were sometimes used as a weapon too. The word pitchfork comes from the "toss or throw" meaning of pitch, plus fork, from the Old English forca, "forked instrument or weapon."

Example Sentences

Much less familiar is Guglielmo of Malavalle, a twelfth century hermit venerated by the Augustinians for defeating a dragon using a simple wooden staff shaped like a pitchfork.

From Science Daily • Feb. 2, 2026

In a noticeable moment from “Cow,” a farmer baling hay strikes his pitchfork against a stone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Still, there’s a difference between a burr in one’s saddle and feeling like you’re sitting right on top of three or four other teams each pointing a pitchfork at your backside.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2024

Washington’s defense barely survived Arizona State’s blunted pitchfork of an offense and will be facing much better units down the stretch.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2023

He might as well be holding a torch in one hand and a pitchfork in the other.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden