# picnic

/ˈpɪkˌnɪk/ (US) · /pˈɪknɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/picnic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. outdoor meal

noun · CEFR A1

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

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

- We packed some sandwiches and fruit for a picnic in the park.
- The family organized a large picnic by the lake, bringing blankets and hampers filled with homemade salads and cold drinks.

### 2. easy task

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

something that is very easy or pleasant to do.

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

- The exam was no picnic, but I think I passed.
- Managing a team of fifty volunteers during a heatwave was no picnic for the event coordinator.

### 4. cut of meat

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The recipe calls for a slow-roasted picnic to make the pulled pork.
- The butcher recommended the picnic cut for the stew, noting its high fat content would provide excellent flavour during the long braising process.

### 5. to eat outdoors

verb · CEFR A2

to have a picnic outside.

For teachers: to participate in or hold an outdoor meal.

- They decided to picnic on the grass near the river.
- 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.

## Examples

- We are planning a picnic in the park this Sunday.
- The family packed sandwiches and fruit into a basket for their afternoon picnic by the lake.
- While the sudden rain shower threatened to ruin the afternoon, the group moved their picnic to the covered pavilion to continue their celebration.

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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.