pick out

verb

picked out; picking out; picks out

transitive verb

1
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.
Sprague starts in Salem Shea Sprague, a former BC High standout from Wellesley and Boston’s 13th-round pick out of the University of North Carolina last summer, has been assigned to Low-A Salem to start his first full professional season. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2025 Another witness also picked out a random person as the shooter. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2025 In the beginning, Bernard and Guy Lansky helped Elvis pick out a wardrobe full of what became the singer's signature color: pink. Tim Moffatt, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025 Andrew Luck, a former first-overall pick out of Stanford for the Indianapolis Colts, made his first major move as his alma mater's general manager Tuesday, firing head coach Troy Taylor. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pick out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pick%20out. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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