pluck
verb (used with object)
to pull off or out from the place of growth, as fruit, flowers, feathers, etc..
plucking
-
present participleof pluck.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
As the waves bashed the coast this week, boulders smashed into the piles of Mitchell Leib’s Malibu home, plucking them like a “guitar string” and shaking his house.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
The company made headlines this week for plucking downed pilots out of peril, but its larger goal is to keep servicemembers out of harm’s way in the first place.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026
It bursts with insights that mix journalistic acumen with gossip, backed by a score generously seasoned with mischievous violin string plucking.
From Salon ● Mar. 14, 2026
A pigeon briefly stopped play during Atletico Madrid's 3-2 win over Real Sociedad with unflappable defender Jose Gimenez plucking the bird off the pitch and taking it to safety.
From BBC ● Mar. 7, 2026
“Laney, let’s go for a walk,” Isa suggested, plucking the fondant crimper out of Laney’s hands and handing it back to Mama.
From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser
