English Reference
noun · verb

picnic

n. · v.
US /ˈpɪkˌnɪk/ UK /pˈɪknɪk/ pic·nic UK spelling picnic's, picnic's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The family organized a large picnic by the lake, bringing blankets and hampers filled with homemade salads and cold drinks.

    cookoutalfresco meal
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.something that is very easy or pleasant to do.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    Managing a team of fifty volunteers during a heatwave was no picnic for the event coordinator.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Cooking

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The butcher recommended the picnic cut for the stew, noting its high fat content would provide excellent flavour during the long braising process.

    picnic hampork shoulder
  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    v.to have a picnic outside.

    v.to participate in or hold an outdoor meal.

    Simple

    They decided to picnic on the grass near the river.

    In context

    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.


Borrowed from French pique-nique.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Frequent
Updated