licking

noun

lick·​ing ˈli-kiŋ 

1

: a sound thrashing : drubbing

2

: defeat

Synonyms of licking

• beating
• defeat
• loss
• whipping
• trimming

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

Sometimes the cats also used allogrooming to initiate playtime, and in these cases the licking usually took place in the area of the cat’s neck. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026

The Ponies laid a 17-6 licking on East Ridge when the teams met on April 30. — Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 9 June 2026

Carl wished that Drew felt the same way about him, but wondered if the licking was sanitary. — Thomas McGuane, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2026

Predators respond with head shaking, gaping, drooling, and frantic licking. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for licking

• clicking
• flicking
• kicking
• nicking
• picking
• pricking
• sticking
• ticking
• tricking
• wicking
• picnicking
• politicking

Geographical Definition

Licking

geographical name

Lick·​ing ˈli-kiŋ 

river 320 miles (515 kilometers) long in northeastern Kentucky flowing northwest into the Ohio River