wick
word
/ˈwɪk/
wik
/wˈɪk/
wik
Definition
A wick is the cord or piece of material in a candle or lamp that burns and draws up the fuel (such as wax or oil) to keep the flame lit.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used for candles and oil lamps. You might see 'wick' in phrases like 'trim the wick'. It can also be used figuratively (rare), e.g., 'burning the candle at both ends', but it nearly always refers to the physical part of a candle or lamp.
Spanish: mecha (vela/lámpara) - pabiloPortuguese (BR): pavio (vela/lâmpada)Portuguese (PT): pavio (vela/lâmpada)Chinese (Simplified): 灯芯Chinese (Traditional): 燈芯Hindi: बत्ती (दीया की/मोमबत्ती की)Arabic: فتيلة (شمعة/مصباح)Bengali: বাতির সুতলি - বাতির টানাRussian: фитиль (свечи/лампы)Japanese: 芯 (ろうそく・ランプの)Vietnamese: bấc (nến/đèn dầu)Korean: 심지 (초/램프)Turkish: fitil (mum/lamba)Urdu: بتی (چراغ/موم بتی کی)Indonesian: sumbu (lilin/lampu)
Example Sentences
The wick burned slowly in the candle.
basic
You should trim the wick before lighting the lamp.
basic
The oil lamp won't light if the wick is too short.
basic
She replaced the old wick to make the lantern burn brighter.
natural
Be careful—the wick is still hot after blowing out the candle.
natural
If you don't trim the wick, the candle will smoke a lot.
natural