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

And architects are considering even taller blocks, such as a 300-metre "Toothpick" in London.

From Reuters • Feb. 22, 2017

We watch Antiques Roadshow and mentally inventory the attic, troll the tag sales, join the National Toothpick Holder Collectors Society.

From Time Magazine Archive

If this regime is not enough to cure them, there are museums that boast such exhibits as "Silver Toothpick Belonging to R. Wagner."

From Time Magazine Archive

When Toothpick headed for the clubhouse one night last week, he could look back on a slick two-hitter.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the minds of Shaker students, however, Toothpick Day would acquire the status of legend, and in future years, during Senior Prank Week, toothpicks were banned from the school by threat of detention.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng