toothpick

noun

tooth·​pick ˈtüth-ˌpik How to pronounce toothpick (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yet today’s Democrats see them just as the ones passing around the scallops and requesting those pesky toothpicks be placed on a platter. Ted Trimpa, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024 The rarest piece in the Museum set (Carney estimates that there may be four surviving in the world) is a porcelain salt spoon with a bowl the size of a hazelnut half and a handle that’s barely thicker than a toothpick. Anna Hezel, Curbed, 1 Nov. 2024 But the city and county were getting a second wind, even importing raw timber to support various mills, a toothpick plant, and two piano factories, one of which also made harps. Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 4 Apr. 2024 Bake about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for toothpick 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toothpick was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near toothpick

Cite this Entry

“Toothpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toothpick. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

toothpick

noun
tooth·​pick -ˌpik How to pronounce toothpick (audio)
: a pointed instrument (as a thin piece of wood) for removing substances caught between the teeth

Medical Definition

toothpick

noun
tooth·​pick -ˌpik How to pronounce toothpick (audio)
: a pointed instrument (as a slender tapering piece of wood) used for removing food particles lodged between the teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on toothpick

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