flick

[ flik ]

/ flɪk /

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See synonyms for: flick / flicked on Thesaurus.com

noun

a sudden light blow or tap, as with a whip or the finger: She gave the horse a flick with her riding crop.

the sound made by such a blow or tap.

a light and rapid movement: a flick of the wrist.

something thrown off with or as if with a jerk: a flick of mud.

verb (used with object)

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

to remove with such a stroke: to flick away a crumb.

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

verb (used without object)

to move with a jerk or jerks.

to flutter.

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Origin of flick

1400–50; late Middle English flykke; apparently imitative

Definition for flick (2 of 2)

flick²

[ flik ]

/ flɪk /

noun Slang.

a motion picture.

Also flicker.

Origin of flick

First recorded in 1925–30; shortening of flicker¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for flick

Whether it’s a psychological thriller, gory slasher, or a zombie flick, it’s likely you’ll be able to find a subgenre that you enjoy.
Why Horror Films Are More Popular Than Ever - Issue 95: Escape|Coltan Scrivner|January 14, 2021|Nautilus
You might not think there’s anything wrong with your TV when enjoying your favorite sitcom, news broadcast, or animated flick.
Miss the Movie Theater? 7 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home Theater Setup|Patrick Lucas Austin|September 8, 2020|Time
The giant bear flicked his ears and, with unmistakable restraint, swung away and disappeared into the trees.
What It Takes to Kill a Grizzly Bear|Doug Peacock|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It looked like Halloween when I flicked the light on in the bathroom.
Dealing With Dad the Dealer|Tony Doukopil|April 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Louis threw himself on the sofa and flicked at flies with his eternal riding-whip.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show|Robert W. Chambers|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He holstered his gun, flicked a hand at the rusty iron bars in the soil.
The Ballad of Johnny France|Richard Ben Cramer|January 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She flicked off the press photographers after winning Best Actress.
How Jennifer Lawrence Took Over Hollywood. (It’s Not Just Because of Her Charm.)|Kevin Fallon|December 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
There was a tiny splash, a laugh, and the little greenheart rod flicked a trout high over his head.
Uncanny Tales|Various
Black Hood's keen eyes flicked around the room in which he now stood.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
Without a minute's hesitation she crossed over to the door and flicked out the lights.
The Weight of the Crown|Fred M. White
He flicked the horse, and as the buggy rolled away the other man walked up to Winston.
Winston of the Prairie|Harold Bindloss
He took one up, eased a stray safety match from his vest pocket, flicked it with his fingernail, and lit up.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various

British Dictionary definitions for flick (1 of 2)

flick¹

/ (flɪk) /

verb

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

(tr) to propel or remove by a quick jerky movement, usually of the fingers or handto flick a piece of paper at someone

to move or cause to move quickly or jerkily

(intr foll by through) to read or look at (a book, newspaper, etc) quickly or idly

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

noun

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

the sound made by such a stroke

a fleck, streak, or particle

give someone the flick informal to dismiss someone from consideration

Word Origin for flick

C15: of imitative origin; compare French flicflac

British Dictionary definitions for flick (2 of 2)

flick²

/ (flɪk) /

noun slang

a cinema film

the flicks the cinemawhat's on at the flicks tonight?

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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