pickings

plural noun

pick·​ings ˈpi-kiŋz How to pronounce pickings (audio) -kənz How to pronounce pickings (audio)
Synonyms of pickingsnext
: something that is picked or picked up: such as
a
: gleanable or eatable fragments : scraps
b
: yield or return for effort expended
easy pickings
slim pickings

Examples of pickings 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.
Trees stressed by extreme weather become easy pickings for marauding insects and fungi. — Sarah Kaplan, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Aug. 2022 But those many decades living without predators ruined their flight response, and the horses became easy pickings for mountain lions and other predators. — Ryan Fonsecastaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2022 Talent is being signed up at such speed and scale that slim pickings remain for indie producers to put their best packages forward, let along bring equity partners along for the ride. — Angus Finney, Variety, 1 Nov. 2022 The Japanese restaurant is a welcome addition to the area, as Bellaire and Meyerland have long had slim pickings in the dining department. — Megha McSwain, Chron, 2 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for pickings

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pickings was in 1642

Phrases Containing pickings

Browse Nearby Words

picking machine
pickings
pick key
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pickings.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pickings. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pickings

plural noun
pick·​ings ˈpik-iŋz How to pronounce pickings (audio)
1
: something available or left over
especially : eatable remains
2
: yield or return for the effort put forth
easy pickings
slim pickings

More from Merriam-Webster on pickings

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pickings

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