Pronunciation: /lɪk/

Definitions of lick

noun an act of licking

Example Sentences

A1 The dog gave a quick lick to its owner's hand.

A2 She took a lick of the ice cream cone before handing it to her friend.

B1 The child's face was covered in chocolate after taking a lick of the candy bar.

B2 The cat gave a playful lick to its kitten to clean its fur.

C1 The chef instructed the apprentice on the proper technique for a lick of salt in the recipe.

C2 The horse nuzzled its rider before giving a gentle lick to their cheek.

verb to pass the tongue over something

Example Sentences

A1 The dog licked its owner's face to show affection.

A2 The child licked the ice cream cone before it melted.

B1 The cat licked its paw to clean itself.

B2 The chef licked the spoon to taste the sauce.

C1 The researcher licked the envelope to seal it before sending it out.

C2 The explorer licked the snow to test if it was safe to drink.

Examples of lick in a Sentence

formal The dog proceeded to lick its paw in a gentle manner.

informal My cat loves to lick my face when I come home.

slang I dared him to lick the frozen pole, and he actually did it!

figurative The singer's voice was so smooth, it was like a lick of honey to the ears.

Grammatical Forms of lick

past tense

licked

plural

licks

comparative

lickier

superlative

lickiest

present tense

lick

future tense

will lick

perfect tense

have licked

continuous tense

is licking

singular

lick

positive degree

lick

infinitive

to lick

gerund

licking

participle

licked

Origin and Evolution of lick

First Known Use: 1000 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'lick' originated from Old English word 'liccian' which is derived from Proto-Germanic word 'likkojan'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe the action of passing the tongue over something to taste or moisten, the word 'lick' has evolved to also mean a quick and light touch or stroke, as well as to defeat or surpass someone or something.