toothpick

noun

tooth·​pick ˈtüth-ˌpik 

: a pointed instrument (such as a slender tapering piece of wood) for removing food particles lodged between the teeth

Examples of toothpick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cut each strip of pre-cooked bacon in half, and wrap it around each date, securing it with a toothpick. —Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2025

All that was left to do was transfer the batter to my prepared loaf pan, bake until the top was golden, and do a toothpick test in the center of the loaf. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2025

Press down on the zest with a bottle cap to cut out a circular section and then carefully remove the garnish with a toothpick. —Peter Burke, Fox News, 10 Jan. 2025

When Helene swept through the mountain town, sturdy branches snapped like toothpicks around the house. —Ella Adams, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for toothpick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• joystick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick

Kids Definition

toothpick

noun

tooth·​pick -ˌpik 

: a pointed instrument (as a thin piece of wood) for removing substances caught between the teeth

Medical Definition

toothpick

noun

tooth·​pick -ˌpik 

: a pointed instrument (as a slender tapering piece of wood) used for removing food particles lodged between the teeth