picket

word

/ˈpɪkɪt/
/pˈɪkɪt/

Definition

A picket can be a person or group standing outside a place (like a workplace) to protest or try to stop others from entering, often as part of a strike. It can also mean a pointed wooden or metal post used in fences.

Usage & Nuances

Common in labor and protest contexts: 'picket line', 'join the picket', 'cross the picket line.' As a noun, also refers to fence posts; less commonly used as a verb ('to picket'). Distinct from 'protest' (more specific to labor disputes).

Example Sentences

After a few hours on picket duty, they went to get coffee.

natural

The old white pickets made the house look charming.

natural

The workers formed a picket outside the factory.

basic

She held a sign while standing on the picket line.

basic

They hammered the pickets into the ground to build a fence.

basic

Don't cross the picket line, or people might get upset.

natural