lick
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lick, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pass the tongue over something.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lick
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English liccian, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to lick," related to Latin lingo and Greek leíkhō. The violent sense ("to beat, defeat") is unique to English and its exact origin is unclear.
Full origin of lick →Frequently asked questions
What does “lick” mean?
The word “lick” means to pass the tongue over something. In plain terms, to touch with the tongue — or, informally, to beat someone soundly, or (in music) a short catchy riff.
How do you pronounce “lick”?
“Lick” is pronounced lihk (/lɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “lick” in a sentence?
Here is “lick” used in a sentence: “The dog licked her hand affectionately.”
What part of speech is “lick”?
Depending on how it is used, “lick” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “lick” come from?
The word “lick” comes from Latin. From Old English liccian, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to lick," related to Latin lingo and Greek leíkhō. The violent sense ("to beat, defeat") is unique to English and its exact origin is unclear.
Is “lick” a common word?
“Lick” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “lick” have?
“Lick” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pass the tongue over something.
What is the difference between "lick" and "taste"?
"Lick" describes the physical act of passing the tongue over something, while "taste" refers to perceiving flavor, which can happen with or without licking. You can taste food without licking it (by chewing or sipping), but licking is a specific tongue motion.
What does "lick" mean in a fight or contest?
Used informally, "lick" can mean to defeat someone decisively, as in "our team licked them." This sense has nothing to do with tongues and is common in casual, competitive contexts.
What does "lick" mean in music?
In music, especially guitar playing, a "lick" is a short, often repeated musical phrase or riff. Musicians build solos out of familiar licks.
When is "lick" used as a noun versus a verb?
As a verb, "lick" describes the action of running the tongue over something or, informally, defeating someone. As a noun, it can mean a single stroke of the tongue or a short musical riff, so the correct sense depends on context.