licking

[lik-ing]

noun

1. Informal.

   1. a beating or thrashing.

   2. a reversal or disappointment; defeat or setback.

2. the act of a person or thing that licks.

licking

/ ˈlɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. a beating

2. a defeat

Other Word Forms

• nonlicking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of licking¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; lick, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"We sat on the couch in tears, Ethan and Dylan both wrapped up in each other, then the dog jumped over and started licking the tears off our faces, which was rather silly."

From BBC

Roberts isn’t just chewing the scenery; she’s devouring the celluloid and licking her chops, hungry for more.

From Salon

The Forest talisman scored two goals in his side's last home game against Brentford and will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing West Ham, who shipped five last week.

From BBC

And now, though still licking my wounds and feeling adrift, I was relishing my newfound freedom.

From Los Angeles Times

Some companies sell sunscreen with a bitter taste to stop animals licking it off.

From BBC

Related Words

• whipping