What does pluck mean?
“Pluck” is a versatile verb meaning to pull, remove, or gather something, usually with a quick or deliberate movement. A person may pluck fruit from a tree, pull a flower from a stem, remove a loose hair, or steal a small object from a pocket. In music, to pluck a string is to set it vibrating by pulling and releasing it, as on a guitar, harp, or violin. The word also has an informal sense meaning to steal, particularly something small and easily carried. Its compact, physical imagery makes it especially effective when the action involved is quick, noticeable, or slightly unexpected. Although “pluck” is used in both British and US English, musical and informal usages may vary in frequency by context.
To pull or remove something with a sharp or sudden movement; to pick or gather something; or, in music, to produce a sound by pulling and releasing a string.
"He plucked the orange from the branch and placed it in the basket."
The informal sense “to steal” is especially common in British English but is also used in US English.
A sharp pull or the act of pulling something; also, a sound made by plucking a string.
"With a single pluck of the violin’s string, the melody began."
The plural is used when referring to several separate pulls or sounds, or to several small objects taken or removed.
"The musician gave a few tentative plucks to the guitar string."
From gathering fruit to striking a guitar string, “pluck” captures the idea of taking hold of something and pulling it away or setting it in motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How pluck is actually used
The word is common in literal descriptions of picking, pulling, or removing small objects. In musical contexts, it describes the action of pulling a string rather than using a bow. “Pluck” can also mean “steal” in informal British and US English, often in phrases such as “pluck something from somewhere.”
Easily confused with pluck
A plug is a solid or hollow object inserted into a hole to close or connect it, whereas to pluck is to pull or remove something with a quick movement.