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

Put the bread in the oven, immediately turn the temperature down to 400 degrees and bake for 45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2025

Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025

Skewer the meat with a toothpick and remove it before serving. Use a sturdy skewer, like a candy apple stick, to skewer the hot dog. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025

Bake and Cool Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. —Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025

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