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.
Bake for 20-24 minutes, until set and a toothpick comes out cleanly. The Enquirer, 3 Jan. 2025 Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The Tennessean, 27 Dec. 2024 About 1 foot from the shoot tip, make a 1 to 2 inch incision along the stem and through a bud to create a wedge; prop the wedge open with a sliver of wood such as a toothpick. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024 Bake and Serve Bake about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center of cake comes out clean. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 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 21 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!