peck

//pɛk//
B1Frequency Level 12Neutral
Visual representation of peck

Verb

peckInfinitive
peckPresent tense
peckedPast tense
peckedPast participle
peckingPresent participle
pecksThird-person singular
1

To strike or bite with the beak, as a bird does.

The bird pecked at the seeds on the ground.

2

To make repeated small bites or nibbles at food.

She only pecked at her salad during lunch.

3

To give a quick, light kiss.

She pecked him on the cheek before leaving.

Synonym

Noun

peckSingular
pecksPlural
1

A quick stroke or bite made with the beak.

The bird gave a quick peck at the seed.

2

A quick, light kiss.

She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before leaving.

Synonym

Noun

peckSingular
pecksPlural
1

A unit of dry measure equal to 8 quarts or a quarter of a bushel.

The recipe calls for a peck of apples.

2

A large quantity or amount of something.

She has a peck of troubles to deal with this week.