# peck

/ˈpɛk/ (US) · /pˈɛk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/peck
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. bird striking with beak

verb · CEFR B2

to bite or hit something with a beak, like a bird does.

For teachers: to strike or pierce something with the beak or bill, typically with quick, repeated movements.

- The chickens began to peck at the seeds scattered on the ground.
- The woodpecker continued to peck at the bark of the old oak tree, searching for insects hidden beneath the surface.

### 2. to kiss briefly

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to give someone a very quick, light kiss.

For teachers: to kiss someone briefly and lightly, often as a casual greeting or sign of affection.

- She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before she left for work.
- He leaned over to peck his daughter on the forehead as she fell asleep during the movie.

### 3. to eat small amounts

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to eat only a little bit of food, usually because you are not hungry or do not like it.

For teachers: to eat sparingly or without appetite, often by taking small, intermittent bites.

- He wasn't very hungry, so he just pecked at his salad during lunch.
- Throughout the formal dinner, she merely pecked at her food, clearly distracted by the news she had received earlier that day.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'at'.

### 4. a quick kiss

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a short, light kiss.

For teachers: a brief, light kiss, typically delivered to the cheek or forehead.

- He gave her a peck on the cheek and said goodbye.
- The greeting was nothing more than a formal peck, suggesting a lingering tension between the two former colleagues.

### 5. unit of measurement

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a unit for measuring dry things like fruit or grain, equal to two gallons.

For teachers: a dry measure of eight quarts, equivalent to one quarter of a bushel.

- The farmer sold a peck of apples at the local market.
- The historical records indicate that the tithe was paid in pecks of grain, a standard unit for agricultural trade in the region.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.