How Do You Spell PECK?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛk] (IPA)

The word "peck" is spelled in a unique way that may not initially seem intuitive. Using IPA phonetic transcription, we can break down the word into its individual sounds: /pɛk/. The "p" sound represents a voiceless bilabial plosive, while the "ɛ" sound represents an open-mid front unrounded vowel. The final "k" sound is a voiceless velar plosive. These sounds come together to form the commonly used word "peck," which refers to a quick striking motion made with the beak or mouth.

PECK Meaning and Definition

  1. Peck (noun) refers to a unit of measurement commonly used for dry goods, such as grains or apples. It denotes an amount equal to a quarter of a bushel or eight dry quarts (approximately 9.09 liters). Originally derived from the Old English word "pec," meaning a vessel or container, the term has evolved to represent a specific quantity rather than a physical container itself.

    Additionally, peck (verb) describes the action of a bird using its beak to quickly and repeatedly bite or tap something, often referring to their feeding behavior. Birds, such as chickens or woodpeckers, utilize this motion to grasp, pick up or consume food items like seeds or insects. The verb "peck" can also denote the act of gently tapping or kissing someone, usually with romantic or affectionate intentions.

    In a figurative sense, the verb "peck" can be used to describe repeatedly and persistently criticizing or nagging someone, as if pecking away at their emotions or self-esteem. This connotation emphasizes the repetitive nature of the criticism, similar to a bird pecking at its food or pecking at someone's patience.

    Furthermore, peck (verb) can also mean to make shallow, quick marks on or in something using a pointed object. This can refer to actions like making quick strokes with a pen or writing tool, or tapping lightly on a keyboard.

  2. • A measure for dry things; the fourth part of a bushel.
    • To strike with the beak, as a bird; to pick up food with the bill or beak; to dig or strike lightly with a pointed instrument.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for PECK *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PECK

Etymology of PECK

The word peck has its origin in Old English. It is derived from the West Germanic word pikkan which means to pick or to strike with a pointed object. Over time, this word evolved into the Middle English term pecke or pekke, which refers to the action of pecking or striking with the beak or bill of a bird. It eventually solidified into the modern English word peck.

Idioms with the word PECK

  • peck at sth The definition of the idiom "peck at something" is: To eat or nibble at something in small amounts, often in a hesitant or intermittent manner. It can also refer to making small, insignificant efforts towards completing a task or dealing with a problem.
  • bushel and a peck (and some in a gourd) The idiom "bushel and a peck (and some in a gourd)" is an expression used to convey a strong feeling of love or affection for someone. It implies that the speaker has great fondness and an immeasurable amount of love for the person being referred to.
  • You have to eat a peck of dirt before you die The idiom "You have to eat a peck of dirt before you die" means that throughout a person's life, they will face various challenges, endure hardships, and experience unpleasant things. It suggests that adversity and difficulty are inevitable aspects of life that everyone must confront at some point. Just as eating a peck of dirt is unpleasant and unappetizing, it symbolizes the undesirable experiences one encounters on their journey. The idiom emphasizes the idea that everyone will face struggles and setbacks, but it is how they deal with and overcome these challenges that shape their character.
  • peck at The idiom "peck at" means to eat or pick at something in a hesitant, nibbling, or sporadic manner, often due to lack of appetite or interest. It can also refer to making minor, ineffective, or superficial attempts at something.
  • bushel and a peck The idiom "bushel and a peck" means a large or indeterminate amount, usually referring to a considerable and imprecise quantity. It often implies a great deal of something or an overwhelming affection towards someone.
  • bushel and a peck (and sm in a gourd) The idiom "bushel and a peck (and sm in a gourd)" means to have strong affection or love for someone. It is often used to convey a deep emotional attachment or a high level of fondness.
  • peck sth up

Similar spelling words for PECK

Plural form of PECK is PECKS

Conjugate verb Peck

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have pecked
you would have pecked
he/she/it would have pecked
we would have pecked
they would have pecked

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been pecking
you would have been pecking
he/she/it would have been pecking
we would have been pecking
they would have been pecking

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would peck
you would peck
he/she/it would peck
we would peck
they would peck

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be pecking
you would be pecking
he/she/it would be pecking
we would be pecking
they would be pecking

FUTURE

I will peck
you will peck
he/she/it will peck
we will peck
they will peck

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be pecking
you will be pecking
he/she/it will be pecking
we will be pecking
they will be pecking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have pecked
you will have pecked
he/she/it will have pecked
we will have pecked
they will have pecked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been pecking
you will have been pecking
he/she/it will have been pecking
we will have been pecking
they will have been pecking

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s peck

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was pecking
you were pecking
he/she/it was pecking
we were pecking
they were pecking

PAST PARTICIPLE

pecked

PAST PERFECT

I had pecked
you had pecked
he/she/it had pecked
we had pecked
they had pecked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been pecking
you had been pecking
he/she/it had been pecking
we had been pecking
they had been pecking

PRESENT

I peck
you peck
he/she/it pecks
we peck
they peck

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am pecking
you are pecking
he/she/it is pecking
we are pecking
they are pecking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

pecking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have pecked
you have pecked
he/she/it has pecked
we have pecked
they have pecked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been pecking
you have been pecking
he/she/it has been pecking
we have been pecking
they have been pecking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it peck

SIMPLE PAST

I pecked
you pecked
he/she/it pecked
we pecked
they pecked

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