lick

[lik]

verb (used with object)

1. to pass the tongue over the surface of, as to moisten, taste, or eat (often followed by up, off, from, etc.).

   to lick a postage stamp; to lick an ice-cream cone.

2. to make, or cause to become, by stroking with the tongue.

   to lick a spoon clean.

3. (of waves, flames, etc.) to pass or play lightly over.

   The flame licked the dry timber.

4. Informal.

   1. to hit or beat, especially as a punishment; thrash; whip.

   2. to overcome or defeat, as in a fight, game, or contest.

   3. to outdo or surpass.

verb (used without object)

1. to move quickly or lightly.

noun

1. a stroke of the tongue over something.

2. as much as can be taken up by one stroke of the tongue.

3. salt lick.

4. Informal.

   1. a blow.

   2. a brief, brisk burst of activity or energy.

   3. a quick pace or clip; speed.

   4. a small amount.

      I haven't done a lick of work all week.

5. Usually licks. a critical or complaining remark.

6. Jazz Slang.,  Usually licks. a musical phrase, as by a soloist in improvising.

verb phrase

1. lick up,  to lap up; devour greedily.

lick

/ lɪk /

verb

1. (tr) to pass the tongue over, esp in order to taste or consume

2. to flicker or move lightly over or round (something)

   the flames licked around the door

3. informal,  (tr)

   1. to defeat or vanquish

   2. to flog or thrash

   3. to be or do much better than

4. to put into a satisfactory condition: from the former belief that bear cubs were born formless and had to be licked into shape by their mother

5. to anticipate or recall something with glee or relish

6. to retire after a defeat or setback in order to husband one's resources

7. See boot 1

noun

1. an instance of passing the tongue over something

2. a small amount

   a lick of paint

3. Also called: salt lick. a block of compressed salt or chemical matter provided for domestic animals to lick for medicinal and nutritional purposes

4. a place to which animals go to lick exposed natural deposits of salt

5. informal,  a hit; blow

6. slang,  a short musical phrase, usually on one instrument

7. informal,  speed; rate of movement

   he was going at quite a lick when he hit it

8. something hastily done, esp a hurried wash

Other Word Forms

• licker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lick¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English liccian, cognate with Old Saxon liccōn, Old High German leckōn; akin to Go bilaigon, Latin lingere, Greek leíchein to lick (up)

Word History and Origins

Origin of lick¹

Old English liccian; related to Old High German leckon, Latin lingere, Greek leikhein

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. lick into shape, to bring to completion or perfection through discipline, hard work, etc..

   They needed another rehearsal to lick the production into shape.

2. lick one's chops. chop.

3. lick ass, kiss.

4. lick and a promise, a hasty and perfunctory performance in doing something.

   I didn't have time to clean thoroughly, so I gave the room a lick and a promise.

5. last licks, a final turn or opportunity.

   We got in our last licks on the tennis court before the vacation ended.

6. lick the dust. dust.

7. lick one's wounds. wound.

Example Sentences

The book was filled with tawdry details, such as an anecdote about how Andrew licked the arches of her feet and shared a bath with her.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Oscar licked the poor robot’s face and Jad leaned in close.

Read more on Literature

Imagine my surprise when, instead, I saw her wicker dresser fully engulfed in flame, the fire licking up the wall.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The New York City mayoral candidates got in their last licks Wednesday night at the final debate before the Nov. 4 election, with the three contenders taking jabs at their opponents.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With a run of six matches in the next three weeks - including a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers - there is no time for Celtic to lick their wounds.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• caress 
• fondle 
• graze 
• rub 
• soothe 
• wash