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

Peel the sides of the cup away to reveal your beautiful candle, and trim the wick before serving. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025

For each candle, thread four to five layers onto a wick. —Janna Oberdorf, Parents, 15 Dec. 2025

Verb

Hanes Period Panties, $18 with coupon These period panties have a triple-layered liner that prevents leaks, absorbs odors, and wicks away moisture. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025

Backcountry skiing is significantly more aerobic, so backcountry skiers tend to look for lighter layers with breathability and ventilation that can wick away sweat and maintain the body’s temperature. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 Dec. 2025

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