I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English (Scots) tuthpik, from toth, tooth, tuth tooth + pik pick — more at tooth , pick
1.
a. : a slender pointed piece of wood used after eating to remove bits of food lodged between the teeth
b. : a similar instrument of metal, bone, or plastic used for picking the teeth and cleaned for reuse
2. : a wooden toothpick or a small flat tapering piece of wood or plastic used for spearing and holding together small portions of prepared food or for conveying one mouthful to the mouth
3. toothpicks plural : fragments, splinters
the ship was smashed into toothpicks by the storm
4. : a long thin object or person
wearing heels that are toothpicks
a toothpick of a man
as
a.
(1) : arkansas toothpick
(2) usually capitalized : arkansan — used as a nickname
b. : a slender pointed boat
II. noun
: a small often elaborate container for a supply of toothpicks at table