picnic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "picnic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "picnic" to refer to an activity where people bring food and drinks to enjoy outside, often in an area with a view of nature. Example: The family went on a picnic to the park on the sunny Saturday afternoon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The hotel can also organise cookery classes, and a picnic on a farm 30km away for those who want to escape into the countryside.

The Guardian - Travel

By the time I arrived in Nice, the picnic on the beach had been called off, but I was soon absorbed into the extended family of this pair of single mothers and avid social networkers.

The Guardian - Travel

Full back-up is provided in the shape of a support vehicle, along with meals, including picnic lunches.

The Guardian - Travel

One day we will challenge them to a picnic and drink them under the table with ginger beer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Feeling rather social after our picnic, and keen to spy on our fellow travellers, we popped into the buffet car.

The Guardian - Travel

The picnic began early in the morning, and the long procession of children was led to the as-yet-unopened municipality office to dispose of their loads.

The Guardian

2 To take on a picnic, add ice cubes and slices of grapefruit and lemons to the pitcher before leaving.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's not far from the riverbank to the picnic tables and playgrounds, but the wild brush here, as in many parts of sun-baked south Texas, holds hazards: snakes, spiders, mosquitos and more.

The Guardian

They also make ideal picnic fare and, thanks to their ability to soak up large amounts of alcohol, unsurpassable party food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Go crabbing, kayaking or ride the bicycles provided to market to buy local produce for a picnic.

The Guardian - Travel

And when we got lost one morning in the forested hills, we had picnic ingredients we'd bought in Fuenteheridos and a just-in-case bottle of wine to pull from our rucksacks.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "picnic", specify the location and the type of food to create a vivid image for your reader. For example, instead of just saying "We had a picnic", try "We enjoyed a riverside picnic with sandwiches and lemonade."

Common error

While "picnic" is perfectly acceptable in most casual writing, it can sound informal or even frivolous in more serious, formal contexts. Consider using terms like "outdoor meal" or "al fresco dining" when a more elevated tone is desired.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "picnic" is as a noun, referring to a meal taken outdoors. Ludwig examples show it used to describe planned events or locations suitable for outdoor dining. It can also function as a verb, indicating the act of eating a picnic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Travel

26%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Books

3%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "picnic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun and verb, primarily associated with outdoor dining experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it commonly appears in news, travel, and lifestyle contexts, reflecting its widespread appeal and neutral register. Whether you're planning an outdoor meal or describing a leisurely outing, "picnic" remains a versatile and evocative choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outdoor feast

Replaces the more general term with a word suggesting abundance and celebration.

open-air lunch

Highlights the location of lunch being in open air.

al fresco meal

Uses a foreign term to emphasize the open-air aspect of dining.

outing with food

Emphasizes the excursion aspect coupled with a meal.

packed lunch outdoors

Specifies that the meal is pre-prepared and eaten in an outdoor setting.

meal in nature

Highlights the surrounding environment.

garden party

Suggests a more formal outdoor gathering with food and drinks.

roadside meal

Presents the scenario of a quick stop to eat outdoors.

cookout

Implies grilling or barbecuing as part of the outdoor meal.

sack lunch venture

Presents the outdoors meal as an adventure.

FAQs

How can I use "picnic" in a sentence?

You can use "picnic" as a noun, referring to a meal eaten outdoors, or as a verb, meaning to eat such a meal. For example: "We went for a picnic in the park" or "They decided to picnic by the lake".

What is the difference between "picnic" and "barbecue"?

A "picnic" generally involves pre-prepared food eaten outdoors, while a "barbecue" typically involves grilling food outdoors. A picnic might consist of sandwiches and salads, whereas a barbecue usually features grilled meats and vegetables.

What kind of food is typically eaten at a "picnic"?

Typical "picnic" foods are easy to transport and eat outdoors, such as sandwiches, salads, fruits, and snacks. Drinks like lemonade or iced tea are also common.

What can I say instead of "picnic"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "outdoor meal", "al fresco dining", or "outdoor feast".