Word
picking
Phoneticspick·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɪkɪŋ/
UK/pˈɪkɪŋ/
Definitions
01the act of choosing
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of choosing or selecting something from a group.
n. the process or act of making a selection from available options.
“The picking of the final team members took several hours of debate.”
“The careful picking of candidates for the executive board required a thorough review of their professional histories and personal references.”
02harvesting
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of gathering fruit, vegetables, or flowers.
n. the act of harvesting or gathering agricultural produce by hand.
“Apple picking is a popular activity for families during the autumn months.”
“The seasonal picking of grapes must be timed precisely to ensure the sugar content is optimal for wine production.”
Synonyms
03leftover scraps
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Literary
n. the small or poor-quality things that are left after the best parts have been taken.
n. the remains or scraps left over after others have selected the most desirable items; often used in the plural 'pickings'.
“By the time we arrived at the sale, there were only slim pickings left.”
“The latecomers found only slim pickings on the buffet table, as the earlier guests had already consumed the prime cuts of meat.”
04dishonest gains
C2 · Proficiency Plural noun Formal
n. money or profits that someone gets in a way that is not completely honest.
n. proceeds or spoils, particularly those obtained through opportunistic or unscrupulous means; typically used in the plural.
“The corrupt official enjoyed the rich pickings from the city's construction contracts.”
“The administration was plagued by scandals involving officials who viewed public office as a source of easy pickings for their associates.”
Real-World Examples
“It transcribes what the caller says, giving you the option of answering or getting more information before picking up.” “The kids are picking up the weapons and posing with them.” 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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