licking

noun

lick·​ing ˈli-kiŋ How to pronounce licking (audio)
1
: a sound thrashing : drubbing
2
: defeat

Examples of licking in a Sentence

His father threatened to give him a licking if he didn't stop misbehaving. our team took a licking last night, but we'll get them next time
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An angry or anxious owner may inadvertently cause stress behaviors in their pet—such as shivering, excessive licking, or destructiveness. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025 Rarely, excessive licking could be a sign of a medical condition known as pica, in which nonfood items are ingested. Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024 Relaxed licking paired with loose body language likely indicates love and contentment. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025 The licking happens late in the first of five episodes, created by Molly Smith Metzler, based on her play Elemeno Pea. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for licking

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of licking was in 1756

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Cite this Entry

“Licking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/licking. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Geographical Definition

Licking

geographical name

Lick·​ing ˈli-kiŋ How to pronounce Licking (audio)
river 320 miles (515 kilometers) long in northeastern Kentucky flowing northwest into the Ohio River

More from Merriam-Webster on licking

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