pick out

pick out  {v.}

1. To choose.

It took Mary a long time to pick out a dress at the store.

2. To see among others; recognize; tell from others.

We could pick out different places in the city from the airplane.

We could not pick Bob out in the big crowd.

Syn.: MAKE OUT (2).

3. To find by examining or trying; tell the meaning.

The box was so dirty we couldn't pick out the directions on the label.

Compare: FIND OUT.