Peck at

verb

To eat food by taking small, quick bites.

The bird was pecking at the seeds on the ground.
Visual representation of "peck at" - To eat food by taking small, quick bites

Often appears as...

  • peck at food
  • peck at seeds
verb

To show a minor, but persistent, annoyance or concern.

The problem was constantly pecking at his mind.
Visual representation of "peck at" - To show a minor, but persistent, annoyance or concern

Often appears as...

  • peck at mind
  • peck at conscience

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

To attack or damage by pecking with a beak, especially repeatedly.

The crows started to peck at the bag of trash.
Visual representation of "peck at" - To attack or damage by pecking with a beak, especially repeatedly

Often appears as...

  • peck at trash
  • peck at eyes
verb

To eat food by taking small, quick bites.

The bird was pecking at the seeds on the ground.
Visual representation of "peck at" - To eat food by taking small, quick bites

Often appears as...

  • peck at food
  • peck at seeds
verb

To show a minor, but persistent, annoyance or concern.

The problem was constantly pecking at his mind.
Visual representation of "peck at" - To show a minor, but persistent, annoyance or concern

Often appears as...

  • peck at mind
  • peck at conscience

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

To attack or damage by pecking with a beak, especially repeatedly.

The crows started to peck at the bag of trash.
Visual representation of "peck at" - To attack or damage by pecking with a beak, especially repeatedly

Often appears as...

  • peck at trash
  • peck at eyes
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "peck at"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Small Bites

Imagine small animals like birds using their beaks for tiny, quick bites. 'Peck at' is similar.

Illustration for Small Bites
Chickens peck at grains, breaking them into pieces.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Hungry

When someone is not very hungry or unsure about the food, they might just peck at their meal.

Illustration for Not Hungry
She just pecked at her dinner, moving the food around her plate.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Disinterest

Use 'peck at' to describe someone eating without enthusiasm or interest in the food.

Illustration for Disinterest
He pecked at his food while staring out the window.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Small Bites

Imagine small animals like birds using their beaks for tiny, quick bites. 'Peck at' is similar.

Illustration for Small Bites
Chickens peck at grains, breaking them into pieces.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Hungry

When someone is not very hungry or unsure about the food, they might just peck at their meal.

Illustration for Not Hungry
She just pecked at her dinner, moving the food around her plate.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Disinterest

Use 'peck at' to describe someone eating without enthusiasm or interest in the food.

Illustration for Disinterest
He pecked at his food while staring out the window.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Small Bites

Imagine small animals like birds using their beaks for tiny, quick bites. 'Peck at' is similar.

Illustration for Small Bites
Chickens peck at grains, breaking them into pieces.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Hungry

When someone is not very hungry or unsure about the food, they might just peck at their meal.

Illustration for Not Hungry
She just pecked at her dinner, moving the food around her plate.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Disinterest

Use 'peck at' to describe someone eating without enthusiasm or interest in the food.

Illustration for Disinterest
He pecked at his food while staring out the window.
Visual representation of the word "Peck at"

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