flick

¹ American  

[flik] / flɪk /

noun

1. a sudden light blow or tap, as with a whip or the finger.

   She gave the horse a flick with her riding crop.

2. the sound made by such a blow or tap.

3. a light and rapid movement.

   a flick of the wrist.

4. something thrown off with or as if with a jerk.

   a flick of mud.

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verb (used with object)

1. to strike lightly with a whip, the finger, etc.

2. to remove with such a stroke.

   to flick away a crumb.

3. to move (something) with a sudden stroke or jerk.

verb (used without object)

1. to move with a jerk or jerks.

2. to flutter; flicker.

flick ² American  

[flik] / flɪk /

noun

Slang.

1. a motion picture; movie.

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flick ¹ British  

/ flɪk /

verb

1. (tr) to touch with or as if with the finger or hand in a quick jerky movement

2. (tr) to propel or remove by a quick jerky movement, usually of the fingers or hand

   to flick a piece of paper at someone

3. to move or cause to move quickly or jerkily

4. to read or look at (a book, newspaper, etc) quickly or idly

5. to snap or click (the fingers) to produce a sharp sound

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noun

1. a tap or quick stroke with the fingers, a whip, etc

2. the sound made by such a stroke

3. a fleck, streak, or particle

4. informal to dismiss someone from consideration

flick ² British  

/ flɪk /

noun

1. a cinema film

2. the cinema

   what's on at the flicks tonight?

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Usage

What does flick mean? A flick is a light, rapid movement, as in With a flick of her wrist, the magician made the card disappear.A flick is also a sudden tap or light blow, as with a whip or a finger.To flick is to make such a motion.Flick is also a slang term for movie or film.Example: Flick that spider off the table, Tony.

Etymology

Origin of flick¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English flykke; imitative

Origin of flick²

First recorded in 1925–30; shortening of flicker ¹

Example Sentences

Though the landmark came with a flick for four over mid-wicket off Beau Webster's spin, Bethell's first ton was moulded in a style from the old school.

From BBC

Jacob Elordi won best supporting actor for his portrayal of the Monster in "Frankenstein," which also won three technical awards, while Amy Madigan won supporting actress for a villainous turn in horror flick "Weapons."

From Barron's

It closes a chapter on a very specific New York experience — the practiced wrist flick, the second swipe after a buzzer, the quiet victory when the turnstile finally unlocked.

From Salon

In addition to his work in television, Ransone starred in several Hollywood films, including horror flicks "It: Chapter Two" and "The Black Phone."

From Barron's

That was the first real chance of the game and Conceicao was more clinical a minute before the break, the Portugal forward lashing home with his left foot after collecting Andrea Cambiaso's neat flick.

From Barron's

Related Words

• flip
• snap
• tap