Word
peck
US/ˈpɛk/
UK/pˈɛk/
Definitions
01bird striking with beak
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to bite or hit something with a beak, like a bird does.
v. 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.”
02to kiss briefly
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
v. to give someone a very quick, light kiss.
v. to kiss someone briefly and lightly, often as a casual greeting or sign of affection.
Español:bicar
“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.”
Synonyms
03to eat small amounts
C1 · Advanced Informal
v. to eat only a little bit of food, usually because you are not hungry or do not like it.
v. 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'.
04a quick kiss
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a short, light kiss.
n. a brief, light kiss, typically delivered to the cheek or forehead.
Español:pico
“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.”
Synonyms
05unit of measurement
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. a unit for measuring dry things like fruit or grain, equal to two gallons.
n. 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.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “peck” in context.
Real-World Examples
“The head coach has previously said he has Tino Livramento and Jarell Quansah ahead of Alexander-Arnold in the right-back pecking order.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/peck
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0