Pronunciation

/lɪk/

Definitions

• Verb: (v) To pass the tongue over something to taste, moisten, or clean it; to take up liquid with a quick, sweeping motion of the tongue. For example: “The cat licked its paw.”

  • Also, to apply something such as paint or adhesive with a sweeping motion similar to that of a tongue.
  • Figuratively, to overcome or defeat decisively or easily: “They were licked by their opponents in the game.”

• Noun: (n) A quick, sweeping stroke of the tongue or a tool resembling this action; also, a small amount of something taken up by such a stroke. For instance: “A lick of paint on the wall.”

  • Slang: A flattering or obsequious act intended to gain favor; also, a brief spell or period of time: “He spent a few licks practicing the guitar.”

Phrases

• “Lick one’s wounds”: To recover from a setback or defeat before attempting anything further.
• “Take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’”: To endure hardship or punishment without giving up.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “The child eagerly licked the ice cream cone until it was gone.”
• Noun: “After repainting, the fence only needed one more lick of paint to be finished.”

Synonyms

• Verb (the act of licking): Taste, lap, slurp, sop, caress (with the tongue), mop up
• Noun (a stroke with the tongue or a tool): Swipe, stroke, pass, dab, application
• Slang (a defeat or setback): Drubbing, trouncing, thrashing
• Slang (flattering or obsequious act): Bootlicking, fawning, ass-kissing
• Slang (brief period or effort): Spell, stint, go, shot