What does picnic mean?
A picnic is a meal or light refreshment enjoyed outdoors, usually in a park, garden, or other open setting. The word commonly appears with phrases such as “go on a picnic,” “have a picnic,” “picnic basket,” and “picnic blanket,” and it evokes an informal meal, shared company, and time spent in nature. In British and American English it may also be used figuratively to describe something very easy, although this usage is more casual than the ordinary dining sense. The related verb means to take or share such a meal outdoors. “Picnic” is a familiar and useful word because it covers both the specific event and the familiar social practice of eating outside, while retaining a mild sense of leisure and informality.
A meal or light refreshment eaten outdoors, usually with several people.
"They spread a blanket and enjoyed a picnic beneath the trees."
The expression “a picnic” can also informally mean a task or situation that is very easy.
To eat a meal or spend time eating outdoors.
"We picnicked at the beach before driving home."
Informal and less frequent than the noun; it is often used in the present continuous form.
The regular plural is used for separate outdoor meals or occasions.
"The park was full of families enjoying picnics on the sunny afternoon."
The word “picnic” comes from French, and its first syllable sounds like a tiny warning: pack your basket before hunger spoils the outing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does picnic come from?
The word comes from French “pique-nique,” an established expression for an outdoor meal that entered English during the eighteenth century. Its detailed French internal etymology is historically debated, so the component words should not be treated as a fully certain derivation. The English form retained the French spelling and pronunciation pattern and became a general term for meals and outings enjoyed outdoors.
Related word forms
How picnic is actually used
As a noun, “picnic” is standard and neutral. The informal sense meaning an easy or enjoyable task is chiefly conversational. As a verb, “picnic” is less common than the noun but is widely understood.
Easily confused with picnic
A picnic is a meal eaten outdoors, whereas a pique is a feeling of irritation or resentment, or an interest that has been stimulated.