Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

finick

intransitive verb fin·ick
variants: or less commonly finnick \ˈfinik, -nēk\

Definition of finick

also -ed/-ing/-s
1 : to become excessively or affectedly dainty or refined in speech or manner : put on airs
2 : to dawdle about
  • finicked with her food
  • —Elizabeth Taylor
  • she was not one who had time to finick about snipping at blossoms
  • —Adrian Bell

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of finick

back-formation from finicking

Seen and Heard

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

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

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