flick

1
[ flik ]
See synonyms for flick on Thesaurus.com
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.

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

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

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.

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

verb (used without object)
  1. to move with a jerk or jerks.

Origin of flick

1
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English flykke; imitative

Other definitions for flick (2 of 2)

flick2
[ flik ]

nounSlang.
  1. a motion picture; movie.

Origin of flick

2
First recorded in 1925–30; shortening of flicker1

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use flick in a sentence

  • The tiller is unlocked by simply flicking forward the cylinder with the hand, the locking and unlocking being done in a second.

    Yachting Vol. 2 | Various.
  • "It might have been if you hadn't spoiled it," answered the girl, flicking her horse's ears mischievously.

    Blazed Trail Stories | Stewart Edward White
  • "I sometimes lie to my mother," said Harry, flicking his ash into the river.

    Tristram of Blent | Anthony Hope
  • When I said this, I turned to jab a claw at the other priests, using the motion to cover my flicking a coin grenade toward them.

    The Repairman | Harry Harrison

British Dictionary definitions for flick (1 of 2)

flick1

/ (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

  1. to move or cause to move quickly or jerkily

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

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

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

  2. the sound made by such a stroke

  1. a fleck, streak, or particle

  2. give someone the flick informal to dismiss someone from consideration

Origin of flick

1
C15: of imitative origin; compare French flicflac

British Dictionary definitions for flick (2 of 2)

flick2

/ (flɪk) /


nounslang
  1. a cinema film

  2. the flicks the cinema: what'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