1. To strike with the beak: This is the most common meaning of "peck." It refers to the action of birds using their beaks to eat, explore, or attack.
Example: "The chick pecked at the ground for seeds."
2. To strike lightly: This meaning extends the bird analogy to describe a light, quick strike with something else, like a finger or a hammer.
Example: "He pecked at the keyboard, typing quickly."
3. A unit of dry measure: This meaning is less common but still relevant. A peck is a unit of dry measure equal to 8 dry quarts or one-eighth of a bushel.
Example: "The farmer harvested a peck of apples from his orchard."
4. To kiss: This meaning is informal and often playful, usually referring to a quick, light kiss.
Example: "She pecked him on the cheek before leaving."
5. To be interested in something: This meaning is also informal and means to have a casual interest in something.
Example: "He's been pecking away at the project, but he hasn't finished it yet."
6. To break through: This meaning refers to a forceful, repeated strike, often used with "away at."
Example: "The workers pecked away at the concrete wall."
To understand the correct meaning of "peck," pay attention to the context in which it is used.