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noun Common

rick

rihk

Rick (noun) means a large, often thatched, outdoor stack of hay, straw, or firewood. Example: “They built a hay rick behind the barn before winter.”

noun
1
A large, often thatched, outdoor stack of hay, straw, or firewood.
"They built a hay rick behind the barn before winter."
verb
1
To slightly sprain or wrench a joint, especially the neck or back.
"He ricked his neck sleeping in an awkward position."

How to use rick

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA stacked pile of hay or wood, or (as a verb) to mildly strain a joint.

Common pairings
hay rick rick your neck wood rick

Word forms

ricked past tense, ricked past tense, ricked past tense, ricks plural, ricks plural, ricks plural, ricks plural, ricks singular, ricks singular, ricks singular

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Test yourself on “rick” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They built a hay _____ behind the barn before winter.

Etymology

From Old English hrycce ("rick, heap, pile"), an old Germanic word for a stacked pile.

Origin: Old English

Related words

Rhymes for rick

See all rhymes for rick →

Frequently asked questions

What does “rick” mean?

The word “rick” means a large, often thatched, outdoor stack of hay, straw, or firewood. In plain terms, a stacked pile of hay or wood, or (as a verb) to mildly strain a joint.

How do you pronounce “rick”?

“Rick” is pronounced rihk (/ɹɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “rick” in a sentence?

Here is “rick” used in a sentence: “They built a hay rick behind the barn before winter.”

What part of speech is “rick”?

Depending on how it is used, “rick” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “rick” come from?

The word “rick” comes from Old English. From Old English hrycce ("rick, heap, pile"), an old Germanic word for a stacked pile.

Is “rick” a common word?

“Rick” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “rick” have?

“Rick” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, often thatched, outdoor stack of hay, straw, or firewood.

What is the difference between 'rick' and 'sprain'?

To rick a joint means to slightly sprain or wrench it, especially the neck or back. It usually suggests a minor, sudden tweak, whereas a sprain can describe a more serious stretching or tearing of the ligaments.

What is the difference between a hay rick and a haystack?

A rick is a large, often thatched, outdoor stack of hay, straw, or firewood, so a hay rick and a haystack are essentially the same thing. 'Rick' can also cover stacks of straw or firewood, making it slightly broader than 'haystack'.

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