Meaning & Definition of word "Licking"

Licking

ˈlɪkɪŋ

noun:

  • 1. The act of licking.
    • Example: The puppy gave a few excited lickings before he settled down.
  • 2. A light touch or brief contact.
    • Example: The licking of the waves against the shore was soothing.

verb:

  • 1. The action of moving the tongue across a surface to taste, moisten, or clean it.
    • Example: The dog was licking its paw after a long walk.
  • 2. To pass the tongue over something in a repeated manner.
    • Example: She was licking her ice cream cone before it started to drip.
  • 3. To touch lightly or gently, as if with the tongue.
    • Example: The flames were licking at the sides of the wooden cabin.

Etymology

Derived from Old English 'liccian', meaning 'to lick'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

licking your wounds:

To try to recover after a defeat or setback.

lacking luster:

Not having the shine or brilliance; dull.

get licked:

To receive a beating or punishment.

Related Words

lick:

To touch or move the tongue across something.

licker:

A person or animal that licks.

lickable:

Suitable to be licked.

Slang Meanings of licking

Meaning: To defeat decisively in a competition.

Example Sentence: They got licked in the finals.

Meaning: To consume something quickly or greedily.

Example Sentence: He licked his plate clean after dinner.