toothpick

American  

[tooth-pik] / ˈtuθˌpɪk /

noun

1. a small pointed piece of wood, plastic, etc., for removing substances, especially food particles, from between the teeth.

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toothpick British  

/ ˈtuːθˌpɪk /

noun

1. a small sharp sliver of wood, plastic, etc, used for extracting pieces of food from between the teeth

2. a slang word for bowie knife

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Etymology

Origin of toothpick

First recorded in 1480–90; tooth + pick ²

Explanation

A toothpick is a device made for cleaning bits of food out of your teeth. Toothpicks are also used to pick up small appetizers or other tidbits. At a fancy party, use toothpicks for eating hors d'oeuvres, not for digging food out of your teeth! Tooth-picking is, in fact, the original intended use of these handy tools. Experts believe that toothpicks were invented long before modern humans evolved—there's evidence that Neanderthals used toothpicks. In the 17th century, toothpicks were a luxury (and sometimes made of silver), but by the early 20th century, factories were mass producing wooden toothpicks for everyone to enjoy.

Example Sentences

He recommends a toothpick or one of iFixit’s $15 cleaning kits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

If you want to go the skewer route: pick one cheese and one meat, attach them to a long toothpick separated by some sort of produce like a tomato, strawberry, grape or basil leaf.

From Salon • Sep. 15, 2025

And when a Labrador retriever owned by another company officer gulped down a bagel impaled with a toothpick, he said, most of the resulting $10,5000 surgical bill was covered as well.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2024

Place the cake on the middle rack of oven, then set temperature to 350°F. Bake about 25 minutes, until it’s set and pale gold and a toothpick comes out clean.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 2, 2024

“Not so good,” she said, jabbing at her mouth with a toothpick.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan