pick out

verb

picked out; picking out; picks out
Synonyms of pick outnext

transitive verb

1
: discern, make out
2
: to play the notes of by ear or one by one
picking out tunes on the piano

Examples of pick out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Samba has ties to the Brazilian Carnival tradition, so Anna picks out a floral fabric and designs a skirt with feather-style panels that will move around with the dancer. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 Hunter was a fourth-round pick out of Auburn for the Rams in 2025. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 The 2025 sixth-round pick out of Penn State started three games last season — one in the regular season and two in the playoffs. — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 24 Aug. 2026 And despite him picking out a sparkler grandeur in size, Ronaldo recalled that Rodríguez was more focused on the meaning behind his proposal than the rock attached to it. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pick out

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pick out was in 1540

Rhymes for pick out

See All Rhymes for pick out

Browse Nearby Words

pick oneself up
pick out
pick over
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pick out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pick%20out. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pick out

verb
1
: to see or detect with some difficulty
picked out the trail in the snow
2
: to play the notes of by ear or one by one
pick out a tune

More from Merriam-Webster on pick out

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pick out

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