pick
UK[pɪk]US[pɪk]
v
to choose something from a group of things or people
v
to remove a flower, fruit, etc. from a plant by pulling it off
n
a tool with a heavy metal bar pointed at one or both ends, used for breaking hard surfaces or substances
Etymology
The verb 'pick' originates from Middle English picken, which is likely related to Middle Dutch picken and Middle Low German picken, meaning 'to peck, prick'. These Germanic terms are thought to be of imitative origin, echoing the sound or action of a short, sharp impact. The core semantic thread from its earliest uses involves a pointed action—whether pecking with a beak, pricking with a point, or plucking with the fingers. This foundational sense of a precise, pointed action or tool naturally extended to the modern meanings of selecting (as if plucking one item from many) and using a pointed implement for breaking or digging.
Analysis
The word 'pick' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern English.
Examples
She took a long time to pick a dress for the party.
We went to the orchard to pick apples.
The miners used picks and shovels to break through the rock.