A picket fence is a type of fencing made up of long, thin pieces of wood or plastic that are typically placed close together to create a barrier. The term can also refer to a type of garden ornament consisting of several vertical wooden slats arranged in a decorative pattern. In a more general sense, the phrase "picket fence" is often used metaphorically to describe something that separates or divides two things, such as different social classes or opposing viewpoints.