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 eggplant parm until a toothpick inserted into eggplants slides through easily, 30–40 minutes. — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 July 2026 Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. — Martha Stewart, 30 July 2026 But toothpicks are useful for much more than holding together oversized sandwiches or spearing cubes of cheese. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 27 July 2026 Deaths by toothpick average three per year, slightly less than annual shark attack fatalities. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026 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

Rhymes for toothpick

See All Rhymes for toothpick

Browse Nearby Words

toothpaste
toothpick
toothpicker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toothpick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toothpick. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

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