1
: a unit of capacity equal to ¹/₄ bushel see Weights and Measures Table
2
: a large quantity or number
pecked; pecking; pecks
1
a
: to strike or pierce especially repeatedly with the bill or a pointed tool
b
: to make by pecking
peck a hole
2
: to pick up with the bill
2
: to eat reluctantly and in small bites
peck at food
1
: an impression or hole made by pecking
2
: a quick sharp stroke
3
: a quick light kiss
a peck on the cheek
Examples of peck in a Sentence
Noun (1)
now you're in a peck of trouble
Verb
The hen pecked my finger.
The woodpecker pecked a hole in the tree.
He pecked his wife on the cheek as he headed out the door.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ryan Coleman Updated, EW.com, 14 July 2025
Lochlan, obliged by the rules, gives his brother a wee peck.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
Jen Juneau, People.com, 11 July 2025
When the insect models were yellow and black or accurately sized to match a common wasp, the birds delayed pecking for longer.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for peck
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Noun
The first takes place early in the film, when Clark Kent/Superman leans in for a peck in Lois' kitchen.
—Ryan Coleman Updated, EW.com, 14 July 2025
Lochlan, obliged by the rules, gives his brother a wee peck.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
One week later, the pair pecked each other once more at the New York City premiere.
—Jen Juneau, People.com, 11 July 2025
When the insect models were yellow and black or accurately sized to match a common wasp, the birds delayed pecking for longer.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for peck
Cite this Entry
“Peck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peck. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
peck
2 of 3 verb1
a
: to strike with the bill : thrust the beak into
b
: to make by pecking
peck holes
2
: to strike with a sharp instrument (as a pick)
3
: to pick up with the bill
a chicken pecking corn
4
: to bite daintily : nibble
peck at one's food
peck
3 of 3 noun1
: a mark or hole made by pecking
2
: a quick sharp stroke
Etymology
Noun
Middle English pek "unit of measure," from early French pek (same meaning)
Verb
Middle English pecken "to strike or pierce repeatedly," perhaps from early German pekken (same meaning)
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