peck
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɛk// UK //pˈɛk// peck
v. to bite or hit something quickly with a beak, like a bird eating seeds. It can also mean to give someone a very quick, light kiss on the cheek.
v. to strike or bite something with a beak or a pointed instrument. When used in a social context, it refers to a brief, perfunctory kiss, typically on the cheek or forehead.
The chickens peck at the grain on the ground.
He gave his aunt a quick peck on the cheek before rushing out the door to catch his bus.
The woodpecker continued to peck rhythmically at the bark, searching for insects hidden deep within the trunk while ignoring the hikers passing below.
Usage
The verb is often followed by the preposition 'at' when describing the action of a bird or a person eating small amounts of food.