lick
word
/ˈɫɪk/
lik
/lˈɪk/
lik
Definition
To move your tongue over something, usually to taste it, eat it, or make it wet. As a noun, it can also mean a quick movement of the tongue.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly used for food, animals, and small physical actions: 'lick an ice cream,' 'the dog licked my hand.' It can also appear in set expressions like 'lick the envelope' or informal 'lick' meaning defeat, but that meaning is less common for learners.
Spanish: lamerPortuguese (BR): lamberPortuguese (PT): lamberChinese (Simplified): 舔Chinese (Traditional): 舔Hindi: चाटनाArabic: يلعقBengali: চাটাRussian: лизатьJapanese: なめるVietnamese: liếmKorean: 핥다Turkish: yalanmak - yalamakUrdu: چٹکناIndonesian: menjilat
Example Sentences
The cat licks its paws after dinner.
basic
She licked the spoon to taste the sauce.
basic
The child is licking an ice cream.
basic
The puppy came over and licked my face.
natural
He licked the last bit of chocolate off his fingers.
natural
Don't lick the envelope too much, or it will tear.
natural