noun
Common
rick
rihk
Rick (noun) means a large, often thatched, outdoor stack of hay, straw, or firewood. Example: “A neat rick of straw stood in the corner of the field.”
noun
1
A large, often thatched, outdoor stack of hay, straw, or firewood.
"A neat rick of straw stood in the corner of the field."
"Farmers once built a rick to keep the hay dry through winter."
"They built a hay rick behind the barn before winter."
verb
1
To slightly sprain or wrench a joint, especially the neck or back.
"I ricked my back lifting that heavy box of books."
"Be careful not to rick your neck when you stretch."
"He ricked his neck sleeping in an awkward position."
How to use rick
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- ricks
- Third person singular
- ricks
- Past tense
- ricked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A neat _____ of straw stood in the corner of the field.
Etymology
From Old English hrycce ("rick, heap, pile"), an old Germanic word for a stacked pile.
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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