Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

bootlick

verb
Save Word
boot·​lick | \ ˈbüt-ˌlik How to pronounce bootlick (audio) \
bootlicked; bootlicking; bootlicks

Definition of bootlick

transitive verb

: to try to gain favor with through a servile or obsequious manner

intransitive verb

: to act obsequiously
Other Words from bootlick Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about bootlick

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from bootlick

bootlicker noun

Examples of bootlick in a Sentence

the kind of office in which people feel they have to bootlick in order to get ahead
Recent Examples on the Web Those who delay this fate the longest are bootlicking mediocrities — the survival of the sycophants. — Michael Gerson, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump unbound amid a cloud of chaos," 18 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bootlick.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of bootlick

1845, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about bootlick

Time Traveler for bootlick

Time Traveler

The first known use of bootlick was in 1845

See more words from the same year

Statistics for bootlick

Cite this Entry

“Bootlick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bootlick. Accessed 6 May. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

More from Merriam-Webster on bootlick

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bootlick

Comments on bootlick

What made you want to look up bootlick? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

deep-six

Listen to the pronunciation of deep-six

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Star Wars Words Quiz

  • cu jedi training
  • The bounty portion of bounty hunters (such as Boba Fett) comes from a Latin word meaning
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games