# handpicked

/ˈhændˈpɪkt/ (US) · /hˈændpɪkt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/handpicked
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

chosen very carefully by someone because they are the best or most suitable. You use this to describe people or things that are not just picked at random.

For teachers: selected with great care and attention to detail. Often used to describe a small group of individuals or a specific set of items that meet high standards.

## Examples

- The manager hired a handpicked team for the project.
- The chef serves only handpicked ingredients from local farms to ensure the highest quality for his guests.
- The director assembled a handpicked ensemble of actors, each chosen for their unique ability to embody the complex emotional landscape of the script.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.