Lick means to pass the tongue over something. It can also mean to touch or clean something with the tongue, or to move in a quick, repeated way, depending on the context.
People use lick in everyday life when talking about animals, food, or small actions. For example, a dog may lick your hand, or you may lick an ice cream cone. It is a common word in both literal and informal speech.
Meaning & Usage
Lick is usually a verb. It describes using the tongue to taste, clean, or touch something. In informal English, it can also be used in phrases like “lick the problem” or “not a lick of sense,” but the basic meaning is still easy to understand from context.
Examples
• The cat licked its paw.
• She licked the envelope before closing it.
• He licked the ice cream before it melted.
Can “lick” be used for animals?
Yes. Animals often lick things, like their fur, food, or people they know.
Is “lick” always about the tongue?
Most of the time, yes. But in some informal phrases, it can have a different meaning depending on the sentence.
Is “lick” a common word?
Yes. It is a very common everyday English word, especially in simple actions and descriptions.
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