What does plucker mean?
A plucker is a person or device that pulls, removes, or plucks something. The best-known use refers to a person or machine used to remove feathers from poultry, especially chickens, ducks, or turkeys. More figuratively, it can describe a musician who plucks the strings of a guitar or similar instrument. The word is concrete and practical, but it can also carry a slightly playful tone when applied to a musician. In its original or common occupational sense, it names the agent of the action “pluck”: the worker or tool that does the pulling. Although less frequent in everyday conversation than words such as “picker,” “plucker” remains a useful and precise term in poultry processing, crafts, and discussions of stringed instruments.
A person who plucks or removes something, especially feathers from poultry; also a device for performing such work.
"The poultry plucker was designed to remove the bird's feathers quickly and evenly."
In occupational contexts, the word usually refers to a person or machine that removes feathers from slaughtered poultry.
A person who plays a stringed instrument by plucking its strings.
"He watched the young bass plucker from the edge of the stage."
This sense is less common than the poultry-related sense and can sound informal or humorous in contemporary usage.
The plural is formed by adding “-s” and is used for people or devices that pluck.
"The factory purchased several new pluckers for its processing line."
From preparing poultry to playing a guitar, a plucker is someone whose job is to pull, pinch, or remove things with a deft touch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plucker come from?
The word derives from the verb “pluck,” which comes from Middle English “plucken” and ultimately from Old English “pluccian,” meaning to pull, remove, or gather. The suffix “-er” forms a noun identifying the person or device performing the action. Related forms include “plucky,” meaning spirited or resolute, and “pluckiness,” which describes courage or determination. The development reflects the productive English pattern of adding “-er” to a verb to name its agent or instrument.
Related word forms
How plucker is actually used
The word is most familiar in contexts involving poultry or the removal of feathers. Its use for a musician is understandable but less common and may sound informal or mildly humorous.
Easily confused with plucker
Pluck is the act of pulling or removing something, whereas a plucker is the person or device that performs that action.