picking at

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the park, a sunburned figure itches an arm cast; another slumps on a bench, picking at his eyes.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

It is one of a family of disorders known as body-focused repetitive behaviours, or BFRBs, like biting nails or picking at skin.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

The two spend the years picking at each other while secretly growing fond of the other’s company, though never able to act on their feelings due to the difference in their social status.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2026

Of course, Boritt had devoted much of that life, as a historian, to picking at one of the gnarliest scabs in American history.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

“There’s a lot of weirdness in your family,” Jenna says, picking at a scab on her elbow.

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass