Meaning & Definition of word "Lick"

Lick

/lɪk/

1. A quick or light contact with something, especially with the tongue.
- Example: He gave the ice cream a quick lick.
2. A stroke or instance of licking.
- Example: She took a lick of the spoon to taste the batter.

1. To pass the tongue over (an object or surface) in order to taste, moisten, or clean it.
- Example: The cat licked its paws after eating.
2. To defeat or surpass someone or something, especially in a competition.
- Example: Team A licked Team B in the finals last night.
3. To touch lightly or brush against something.
- Example: The flames licked at the edges of the paper.

Middle English 'likken', from Old English 'liccian'.

lick one's wounds:

To recover from a setback or defeat.

lick into shape:

To improve or refine something.

give a lick:

To apply a small amount of something (as in paint) in a quick motion.

licking:

The act of passing the tongue over something.

lickable:

Capable of being licked or appealing to be licked.

Meaning: To defeat someone decisively.

Example Sentence: We really licked them in the tournament.

Meaning: An instance of drug use.

Example Sentence: He's been on a lick since last weekend.