Lick (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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verb (used with object)
  1. to pass the tongue over the surface of, as to moisten, taste, or eat (often followed by up, off, from, etc.): to lick a postage stamp; to lick an ice-cream cone.
  2. to make, or cause to become, by stroking with the tongue: to lick a spoon clean.
  3. (of waves, flames, etc.) to pass or play lightly over: The flame licked the dry timber.
  4. Informal.
    • to hit or beat, especially as a punishment; thrash; whip.
    • to overcome or defeat, as in a fight, game, or contest.
    • to outdo or surpass.
verb (used without object)
  1. to move quickly or lightly.
noun
  1. a stroke of the tongue over something.
  2. as much as can be taken up by one stroke of the tongue.
  3. salt lick.
  4. Informal.
    • a blow.
    • a brief, brisk burst of activity or energy.
    • a quick pace or clip; speed.
    • a small amount: I haven't done a lick of work all week.
  5. a critical or complaining remark.
  6. a musical phrase, as by a soloist in improvising.
Verb Phrases
  1. to lap up; devour greedily.
Idioms
  1. a final turn or opportunity: We got in our last licks on the tennis court before the vacation ended.
  2. a hasty and perfunctory performance in doing something: I didn't have time to clean thoroughly, so I gave the room a lick and a promise.
  3. kiss (def. 18).
  4. to bring to completion or perfection through discipline, hard work, etc.: They needed another rehearsal to lick the production into shape.
  5. chop3 (def. 7).
  6. wound1 (def. 6).
  7. dust (def. 24).
verb
  1. to pass the tongue over, esp in order to taste or consume
  2. to flicker or move lightly over or round (something)
  3. (tr) informal
    • to defeat or vanquish
    • to flog or thrash
    • to be or do much better than
  4. to put into a satisfactory condition: from the former belief that bear cubs were born formless and had to be licked into shape by their mother
  5. to anticipate or recall something with glee or relish
  6. to retire after a defeat or setback in order to husband one's resources
  7. lick the boots of See boot 1 (def. 14)
noun
  1. an instance of passing the tongue over something
  2. a small amount
  3. a block of compressed salt or chemical matter provided for domestic animals to lick for medicinal and nutritional purposes
  4. a place to which animals go to lick exposed natural deposits of salt
  5. a hit; blow
  6. a short musical phrase, usually on one instrument
  7. speed; rate of movement
  8. something hastily done, esp a hurried wash
Lick (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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