wick

1 of 2

noun

ˈwik 

: a bundle of fibers or a loosely twisted, braided, or woven cord, tape, or tube usually of soft spun cotton threads that by capillarity draws up to be burned a steady supply of the oil in lamps or the melted tallow or wax in candles

wick

2 of 2

verb

wicked; wicking; wicks

transitive verb

: to absorb or drain (a fluid, moisture, etc.) like a wick

a fabric that wicks away perspiration

Examples of wick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These encompass the Via Con Me Scent to Go, a multifunctional leather holder with a perfumable ceramic stone that doubles as a wireless earbuds case; the Tazza Totem and Cappuccino Cup Holder designed for candles; the Buonanotte candle snuffer and the Zic wick trimmer, among others. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

It’s made from 100% cotton and wicks away moisture for extra comfort. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026

Verb

In terms of practicality, the fabric wicks away moisture from the skin and dries quickly. —Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2026

These sneakers have a breathable mesh upper that wicks sweat to keep your feet cool and dry. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English weke, wicke, from Old English wēoce; akin to Old High German wiohha wick, Middle Irish figid he weaves

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1949, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing wick

• get on someone's wick

Rhymes for wick

• bick
• brick
• chick
• click
• fick
• flick
• hick
• kick
• knick
• lick
• mic
• nick

Kids Definition

wick

1 of 2 noun

ˈwik 

: a cord, strip, or ring of loosely woven material through which a liquid (as wax or oil) is drawn to the top in a candle, lamp, or oil stove for burning

wick

2 of 2 verb

: to absorb or drain (as a fluid or moisture) like a wick

fabric that wicks away sweat

Medical Definition

wick

1 of 2 noun

ˈwik 

: a strip of material (as gauze) placed in a wound to serve as a drain

wick

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to absorb or drain (as fluid or moisture) like a wick

—often used with away

a dry gauze dressing was used to wick exudate away from the wound