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Pecking: meaning, definitions and examples

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pecking

 

[ หˆpษ›kษชล‹ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

bird behavior

Pecking refers to the action of a bird using its beak to strike or pick at something. This can involve taking small bites of food or making a tapping sound on hard surfaces. Birds peck for various reasons, such as foraging for food or asserting dominance over territory. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is nitpicking or overly critical.

Synonyms

nibble, pick, strike, tap

Examples of usage

  • The woodpecker was pecking at the tree.
  • Chickens are often seen pecking at the ground.
  • The parrot began pecking at its toys.
  • She was pecking away at her keyboard all morning.
Context #2 | Noun

bird action

Pecking can also be described as a specific type of feeding behavior exhibited by birds. It involves the rhythmic actions of pecking to locate edible items hidden under the ground or within vegetation. Different species of birds have unique pecking mechanisms adapted to their feeding habits. This behavior is crucial for their survival and provides foraging efficiency.

Synonyms

nibbling, snapping, tapping

Examples of usage

  • The pecking of the duck could be heard near the pond.
  • We observed the pecking of the sparrows on the bird feeder.
  • The pecking behavior is essential for the woodpecker's feeding.
  • The loud pecking echoed through the quiet forest.

Translations

Translations of the word "pecking" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bicada

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเฅ‹เค‚เคš เคฎเคพเคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช hacken

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mencatuk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะปัŽะฒะฐะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dziobanie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใคใคใ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท picorer

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ picar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gaklamak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ชผ๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ู‚ุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ klovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ klovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ•„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kljuvati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kรญla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะพา›ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฉแƒแƒฅแƒฃแƒฉแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ noxudlama

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ picar

Etymology

The word 'pecking' originates from Middle English, where it was derived from the Old English term 'pyccan', which means to strike or to hit lightly. This notion of striking was further influenced by the Proto-Germanic root '*pukลnฤ…', which also connoted similar actions. The term has been a part of the English lexicon for centuries, becoming particularly associated with birds and their feeding habits. As language evolved, 'pecking' began to take on metaphorical meanings, relating to behaviors in human interactions where someone might pick at small details or criticize excessively. This evolution highlights the adaptability of language and how terms can shift in meaning based on context and cultural usage.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,862, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.