“Lick” is a word with a few common meanings. Most often, it means to pass the tongue over something, like when a dog licks your hand or you lick an ice cream cone. It can also mean to defeat someone or something, as in “Our team licked the other team.”
In daily English, people usually use “lick” for the action of touching something with the tongue. You may also hear it in casual speech or older expressions to mean winning or beating someone. The exact meaning depends on the situation.
Meaning & Usage
Use “lick” when talking about the tongue touching a surface. It is a very common word in everyday speech, especially with food, animals, and small actions.
Examples
She licked the stamp before putting it on the envelope.
The cat licked its paw.
He licked the ice cream before it melted.
What does “lick” mean in simple words?
It usually means to touch something with the tongue.
Can “lick” mean win?
Yes, in some casual or older English, it can mean to beat or defeat someone.
Is “lick” a common word?
Yes, it is very common in everyday English, especially when talking about food or animals.