Picket: meaning, definitions and examples

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picket

 

[ ˈpɪkɪt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

protest action

A picket is a demonstration in which people gather and hold signs to protest against a particular issue, often in front of a workplace or public location. It is a form of collective action aiming to raise awareness and prompt change.

Synonyms

demonstration, protest, rally, strike

Examples of usage

  • The workers organized a picket in front of the factory.
  • Several activists joined the picket to support the cause.
  • She carried a sign at the picket to express her views.
Context #2 | Verb

protest action

To picket means to participate in a demonstration, typically outside a place of work, to express objection or make demands. This action is often intended to draw public attention to the issues at hand.

Synonyms

demonstrate, protest, rally, strike

Examples of usage

  • They decided to picket until their demands were met.
  • The union leaders encouraged members to picket peacefully.
  • She picketed outside the school to protest budget cuts.

Translations

Translations of the word "picket" in other languages:

🇵🇹 piquete

🇮🇳 पिकेट

🇩🇪 Picket

🇮🇩 piket

🇺🇦 пікет

🇵🇱 pikieta

🇯🇵 ピケット

🇫🇷 picket

🇪🇸 piquete

🇹🇷 piket

🇰🇷 피켓

🇸🇦 Pickett

🇨🇿 picket

🇸🇰 picket

🇨🇳 示威者

🇸🇮 piket

🇮🇸 pikket

🇰🇿 пикет

🇬🇪 პიკეტი

🇦🇿 piketi

🇲🇽 piquete

Word origin

The term 'picket' originates from the late Middle English word 'pikete', derived from the Old French 'piquet', which means a stake or a pointed object. This term was originally used to refer to a pointed post or stake used for defense or marking territory. Over time, the meaning evolved, and by the early 20th century, 'picket' began to be associated with organized protest actions where individuals would hold signs, chant slogans, and demonstrate in front of places to voice their opinions or demands. The concept of picketing has historical roots in labor movements, where workers would picket their workplaces to advocate for better wages, working conditions, or to express grievances against management.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,031, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.