What does lick mean?
Lick has several related uses that extend well beyond its familiar literal meaning. As a verb, it normally describes touching something with the tongue, often to taste or moisten it, as in licking a spoon or licking one's lips. In informal contexts, it can also mean to defeat or overwhelm someone: a team may lick its opponents. As a noun, a lick is a tongue-stroke, while expressions such as “a lick of paint” and “not a lick of common sense” use the word to mean a small amount. The phrase “a lick” can also refer to a brief period of speed or activity, as in “I’ll give it a lick.” The word is thus useful for expressing both physical actions and vivid figurative ideas, ranging from gentle, ordinary actions to emphatic descriptions of success and failure.
To touch or pass the tongue over something, usually to taste or moisten it; informally, to defeat someone decisively.
"The child licked the spoon clean before putting it in the sink."
The figurative sense “to defeat comprehensively” is informal and emphatic.
A stroke or act of licking; a small amount of something; or a short period of speed or effort.
"There was only a lick of paint left in the tin."
The meanings involving a small amount or a brief period are idiomatic and usually informal.
The plural is used for individual strokes or acts of licking and, in the expression “a few licks,” for small amounts or brief periods of activity.
"The dog gave the bowl a few quick licks."
A single “lick” can mean a tongue-stroke, a tiny amount, or a burst of speed—three surprisingly different ideas from one everyday word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lick come from?
The English word comes from Old English leccan, a Germanic verb meaning to lick. It is related to German lecken and Dutch likken, which developed from the same Germanic root. The noun developed alongside the verb in Middle English and acquired figurative meanings connected with small quantities, brief periods, and acts of overcoming.
Related word forms
How lick is actually used
The literal sense is common in everyday speech. The sense meaning to defeat someone is informal and usually strongly emphatic. “A lick” meaning a small amount or a brief period of speed is idiomatic and commonly informal, while “lick into shape” is especially associated with British English.
Easily confused with lick
A lick is made with the tongue, whereas a leak is an unintended escape of liquid, gas, or information.