licking

American  

[lik-ing] / ˈlɪk ɪŋ /

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.

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licking British  

/ ˈlɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. a beating

2. a defeat

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Other Word Forms

• nonlicking adjective

Etymology

Origin of licking

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

Example Sentences

"She took to them straight away and was licking them and just absolutely adored them," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

Lower rates would be welcome news for tech investors, who are still licking their wounds from the past week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Private equity buyers are probably licking their chops; Orlando Bravo, the founder of private-equity firm Thoma Bravo, said as much during an interview from Davos last month.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Now the leopard is licking their faces, and they are bewildered.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

“I want to go back to the midway,” says Jonah, popping the last of his corn dog into his mouth and licking his fingers.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• whipping