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.
Her dog had multiple litters before and knew licking helped. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 By listening to these cues, including tail wagging and lip licking, humans can deepen their relationships with their canine companions. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 Lip licking is another confusing signal from canines. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 At 5-foot-7 and 207 pounds, he is considered undersized for the NFL, but he’s proved able to carry a heavy workload and can take a licking. Chris Hays, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 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 25 May. 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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