lickety-split
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of lickety-split
An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; lickety, a fanciful extension of lick “to move quickly” + split, “fraction,” as in split second
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A former child prodigy on the mandolin, Hull opened the evening flexing her Berklee-trained chops in a series of lickety-split bluegrass numbers that got early arrivers whistling with approval.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 17, 2025
Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace could have supplied us, lickety-split.
From Salon ● Dec. 6, 2024
These garlicky, buttery noodles are perfect for when you need a stellar pantry meal lickety-split.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 9, 2023
A sweet tooth may be satisfied lickety-split with pastries, cakes, coffee and tea from Josun Deli the Boutique.
From New York Times ● Sep. 27, 2022
After school, I walked as fast as I could, lickety-split, up the street and across the persimmon field.
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
