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Plucking: meaning, definitions and examples

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plucking

 

[ ˈplʌkɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

removing hair

Plucking refers to the act of pulling out hair or feathers from the body, typically using fingers or a tool. This term is commonly associated with grooming practices, particularly in relation to eyebrows or body hair. It can also refer to the act of extracting fruits or flowers from plants. Plucking is often performed for aesthetic reasons, such as maintaining a specific look, and may also involve some pain or discomfort. The practice has cultural significance in various societies as it relates to beauty standards and personal care.

Synonyms

extraction, pulling, removal, twisting

Examples of usage

  • She spent an hour plucking her eyebrows.
  • He was plucking the apples from the tree.
  • Plucking the feathers from the chicken is a messy task.
  • The artist was plucking flowers for her bouquet.

Translations

Translations of the word "plucking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arrancar

🇮🇳 प्लकिंग

🇩🇪 zupfen

🇮🇩 memetik

🇺🇦 вищипування

🇵🇱 szarpanie

🇯🇵 引き抜く

🇫🇷 arracher

🇪🇸 arrancar

🇹🇷 çekme

🇰🇷 뽑기

🇸🇦 نزع

🇨🇿 trhání

🇸🇰 trhanie

🇨🇳 拔

🇸🇮 trganje

🇮🇸 taka

🇰🇿 жұлдыру

🇬🇪 გატანა

🇦🇿 çəkərək çıxarma

🇲🇽 arrancar

Etymology

The word 'pluck' comes from the Old English 'pluccian,' which means to pull or to take off. This term has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*plukōną,' which denotes the action of pulling or gathering. Over the centuries, 'pluck' evolved in the English language, associating itself not just with pulling but also with choices in selecting or gathering. By the late Middle Ages, 'pluck' was understood not only in the context of removing things such as feathers or hair but also carried connotations of courage and bravery, as someone with 'pluck' was seen as someone who could take bold actions. This dual nature of the word allowed it to persist in various contexts, from the physical act of plucking to metaphorical uses in literature and everyday speech.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,139, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.