handpick

verb

hand·​pick ˈhan(d)-ˈpik 

handpicked; handpicking; handpicks

transitive verb

1

: to pick by hand as opposed to a machine process

2

: to select personally or for personal ends

Synonyms

• select
• choose
• pick

Examples of handpick in a Sentence

They run a farm where you can handpick fresh strawberries.

a box of handpicked strawberries

The executive handpicked her successor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 1 July 2025

The problem is worsened by the broken and outmoded state of the Oscars’ Best International Feature category, which lets foreign governments handpick their own submissions and launder their public images. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 25 June 2025

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 21 June 2025

This section is valuable real estate, so handpick three to five items to display here as proof of expertise and credibility, and choose wisely. —Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for handpick

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

Kids Definition

handpick

verb

hand·​pick ˈhan(d)-ˈpik 

: to select personally

a handpicked successor