wick

1 of 2

noun

ˈwik 

: a bundle of fibers or a loosely twisted, braided, or woven cord, tape, or tube usually of soft spun cotton threads that by capillarity draws up to be burned a steady supply of the oil in lamps or the melted tallow or wax in candles

wick

2 of 2

verb

wicked; wicking; wicks

transitive verb

: to absorb or drain (a fluid, moisture, etc.) like a wick

a fabric that wicks away perspiration

Examples of wick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The set includes three soy wax candles with three wicks each, infused with fragrant citronella essential oil that, when lit, form an invisible barrier against insects. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 June 2026

Shane is also learning to center the wicks. —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026

Verb

When packed tightly together, the stalks wick water away, where the microscopic pores in the clay plaster absorb it and slowly shed it into the air, regulating the humidity in the house without environmental controls that require additional electricity. —Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 13 June 2026

It’s crafted from an airy, slightly sheer linen blend that helps wick away moisture and keep you cool on sweltering days. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English weke, wicke, from Old English wēoce; akin to Old High German wiohha wick, Middle Irish figid he weaves

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1949, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing wick

• get on someone's wick

Rhymes for wick

• bick
• brick
• chick
• click
• fick
• flick
• hick
• kick
• knick
• lick
• mic
• nick

Kids Definition

wick

1 of 2 noun

ˈwik 

: a cord, strip, or ring of loosely woven material through which a liquid (as wax or oil) is drawn to the top in a candle, lamp, or oil stove for burning

wick

2 of 2 verb

: to absorb or drain (as a fluid or moisture) like a wick

fabric that wicks away sweat

Medical Definition

wick

1 of 2 noun

ˈwik 

: a strip of material (as gauze) placed in a wound to serve as a drain

wick

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to absorb or drain (as fluid or moisture) like a wick

—often used with away

a dry gauze dressing was used to wick exudate away from the wound