lick

1 of 2

verb

licked; licking; licks

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to draw the tongue over
(2)
: to flicker over like a tongue
b
: to take into the mouth with the tongue : lap
2
a
: to strike repeatedly : thrash
b
: to get the better of : overcome, defeat

intransitive verb

1
: to lap with or as if with the tongue
2
: to dart like a tongue

lick

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: an act or instance of licking
b
: a small amount : bit
couldn't swim a lick
c
: a hasty careless effort
2
a
: a sharp hit : blow
b
: a directed effort : crack
usually used in plural
usually used in the phrase get in one's licks
3
a
: a natural salt deposit (such as a salt spring) that animals lick
b
: a block of often medicated saline preparation given to livestock to lick
4
: a musical figure
specifically : an interpolated and usually improvised figure or flourish
5
: a critical thrust : dig, barb
Phrases
lick into shape
: to put into proper form or condition
lick one's chops
: to feel or show eager anticipation
lick one's wounds
: to recover from defeat or disappointment
lick and a promise
: a perfunctory performance of a task

Examples of lick in a Sentence

Verb He licked the stamp before putting it on the envelope. The dog licked at the plate. She licked the sauce off her finger. The cat licked the milk off her paws. Flames were already licking the ceiling. Flames were already licking at the ceiling. Noun Could I have a lick of your ice cream? It just needs a lick of paint.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Pitchers have forever been licking their fingers and clutching rosin bags to help with grip; these days, camera technology and data analysis have put a premium on players who can also impart enough spin to make the ball run, ride, cut, carry, sink, tunnel, and bore along a split-second flight path. Zach Schonbrun, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2024 The Cats have played slightly better defense, and McMillan must be licking his chops at the matchups. Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
Because McMillan’s also one of the few collegiate wideouts who’s ever given Hunter a lick of trouble. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2024 These include the banning of livestock from some parts of the NCA, and restricted access to pasture, water, and mineral licks elsewhere. Christine Ro, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lick 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lick.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English liccian; akin to Old High German leckōn to lick, Latin lingere, Greek leichein

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Noun

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lick was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near lick

Cite this Entry

“Lick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lick. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lick

1 of 2 verb
1
a
: to pass the tongue over
licked the bowl
b
: to touch or pass over like a tongue
flames were already licking the ceiling
2
: to take up with the tongue
kittens licking milk
3
a
: to hit again and again : beat
b
: to get the better of
licking noun

lick

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: an act or instance of licking
b
: a small amount : bit
hasn't done a lick of work
c
: a hasty careless effort
2
: a sharp hit : blow
got in a few licks of my own
3
: a place (as a spring) having a deposit of salt that animals regularly lick

called also salt lick

More from Merriam-Webster on lick

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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