peck
Third Person
pecks
Present Participle
pecking
Past Tense
pecked
Past Participle
pecked
1
(of a bird) to move the beak in a sudden movement and bite something
- The chickens pecked at the scattered grains in the yard.
- The parrot learned to peck at the keys of the piano.
- The ducks pecked playfully at each other in the pond.
- Birds often peck at the ground to find insects and seeds.
- The woodpecker pecked rhythmically on the tree trunk.
2
to give a quick and light kiss
transitive
- As a sign of affection, they would often peck each other on the cheek.
- She bent down to peck her child on the forehead before bedtime.
- To express gratitude, he pecked his friend on the cheek after receiving a thoughtful gift.
Synonyms:
3
to eat food in a small, delicate, or unenthusiastic manner
- She pecked at her salad, not feeling hungry after the long day.
- He pecked at his breakfast, barely touching the eggs and toast.
- She pecked at the dessert, not in the mood for sweets.
- She pecked at her plate, picking at the food without much interest.
- He pecked at his food, more focused on the conversation than the meal.
Synonyms:
4
to repeatedly complain, criticize, or find fault in a petty or annoying manner
- She kept pecking at him about not doing the dishes.
- Stop pecking at me for every little mistake; I’m doing my best!
- She pecked at him all day, criticizing every little thing he did wrong.
- He was tired of being pecked at by his boss for every minor detail.
- He pecked at her about her late arrival, despite her having a good reason.