pitchfork

noun

pitch·​fork ˈpich-ˌfȯrk How to pronounce pitchfork (audio)
: a long-handled fork that has two or three long somewhat curved prongs and is used especially in pitching hay
pitchfork transitive verb

Examples of pitchfork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Social media is a cesspool, and the pitchforks are aimed at Stephanie White right now. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 There’s a famous picture of Pat standing in her store with a cigarette and a pitchfork. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 1 May 2026 The red popcorn bucket is shaped like a purse, and features a chain with a tag of the film's name and a gold charm in the shape of a shoe with a pitchfork as a heel. — Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026 And yet the pitchforks appear to be out for politicians, corporate titans, and leaders more broadly. — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pitchfork

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pitchfork was in the 13th century

Rhymes for pitchfork

See All Rhymes for pitchfork

Browse Nearby Words

pitch fir
pitchfork
pitchhole
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pitchfork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitchfork. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pitchfork

noun
pitch·​fork ˈpich-ˌfȯ(ə)rk How to pronounce pitchfork (audio)
: a tool with a long handle and usually two to five metal prongs that is used especially in pitching hay
pitchfork verb

More from Merriam-Webster on pitchfork

Nglish: Translation of pitchfork for Spanish Speakers

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