peck

Everyday

1. (of a bird) To hit or pick up something with the beak. tree →
2. Noun: a quick hit with a beak. tree →
3. Noun: a quick light kiss: a peck on the cheek. tree →
4. (old measure) A unit of dry volume, a quarter of a bushel, used for grain and fruit. tree →
5. «Peck at your food»: to eat only a little, without hunger. tree →
6. To peck at things can also mean to try many new things briefly, without settling on any one of them. tree →

In the lessons

In science and stories birds peck at seeds and worms; woodpeckers peck holes in trees. In families a peck is a little kiss. In old rhymes («Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers») and old measures, a peck is about 9 litres. «Pecking order» means who is the boss in a group.

Examples

• The hen pecked at the corn. tree →
• A woodpecker pecks holes in tree bark. tree →
• Mum gave me a peck on the cheek. tree →
• Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. tree →
• The baby bird pecked its way out of the egg. tree →
• He only pecked at his dinner because he wasn't hungry. tree →
• The oldest chicken is top of the pecking order. tree →
• Always pecking at new things are the Bandar-log. tree →

Note

Past: pecked. In measure problems: 4 pecks = 1 bushel (US and old UK measures). A «peck» kiss is light and quick.