Definition

A small, pointed stick used to clean food from between teeth.

Example

After dinner, I used a toothpick to remove some food stuck in my teeth.

Conversation

Do you have a toothpick? I just got something stuck in my teeth.

Yeah, I think I have one in my bag. Let me check.

Thanks! I always forget to carry a toothpick with me.

No problem! It's a lifesaver after lunch.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Toothpick → The word is formed from "tooth" (from Old English *toð*, meaning a small, pointed structure in the mouth used for biting and chewing) and "pick" (from Old English *piccan*, meaning to pierce or to poke). A toothpick is an object used to pierce or poke between the teeth.

Memory Tip

Think of a small object that 'pokes' ('pick') between your 'teeth' ('tooth') — that's what a toothpick does.

Visually Confused Words