licking Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest
    defeat.
    • it was a narrow defeat
    • the army's only defeat
    • they suffered a convincing licking
  2. noun the act of inflicting corporal punishment with repeated blows
    trouncing; whacking; drubbing; thrashing; lacing; beating.
  3. verb beat thoroughly and conclusively in a competition or fight
    bat; lick; drub; clobber; thrash; cream.
    • We licked the other team on Sunday!
  4. verb pass the tongue over
    lick; lap.
    • the dog licked her hand
  5. verb find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
    lick; work out; work; puzzle out; solve; figure out.
    • did you solve the problem?
    • Work out your problems with the boss
    • this unpleasant situation isn't going to work itself out
    • did you get it?
    • Did you get my meaning?
    • He could not work the math problem
  6. verb take up with the tongue
    lick; lap; lap up.
    • The cat lapped up the milk
    • the cub licked the milk from its mother's breast

WordNet


Lick"ing noun
Definitions
  1. A lapping with the tongue.
  2. A flogging or castigation. Colloq. or Low

Webster 1913