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picnic

n. · v.
US //ˈpɪkˌnɪk// UK //pˈɪknɪk// pic·nic
  1. 1 outdoor meal (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a meal you eat outside, often in a park or the countryside.

    an informal social gathering in an outdoor setting where participants consume a meal brought from home.

    Example

    We packed some sandwiches and fruit for a picnic in the park.

    Example

    The family organized a large picnic by the lake, bringing blankets and hampers filled with homemade salads and cold drinks.
    • cookout
    • alfresco meal
  2. 2 easy task (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    something that is very easy or pleasant to do.

    a task or experience that is remarkably easy, pleasant, or uncomplicated.

    Example

    The exam was no picnic, but I think I passed.

    Example

    Managing a team of fifty volunteers during a heatwave was no picnic for the event coordinator.
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  1. 3 cut of meat (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Cooking

    a specific cut of meat from a pig's shoulder.

    a cut of pork taken from the lower portion of the shoulder, often smoked or cured.

    Example

    The recipe calls for a slow-roasted picnic to make the pulled pork.

    Example

    The butcher recommended the picnic cut for the stew, noting its high fat content would provide excellent flavour during the long braising process.
    • picnic ham
    • pork shoulder
  2. 4 to eat outdoors (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to have a picnic outside.

    to participate in or hold an outdoor meal.

    Example

    They decided to picnic on the grass near the river.

    Example

    The hikers chose to picnic at the summit, enjoying the panoramic views while they ate their packed lunches.

    Usage

    The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Origin

Borrowed from French pique-nique.

Idioms1 entry

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