Define licking. licking synonyms, licking pronunciation, licking translation, English dictionary definition of licking. n. Slang 1. A beating, thrashing, or spanking. 2. A severe loss or defeat. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
Licking is the action of passing the tongue over a surface, typically either to deposit saliva onto the surface, or to collect liquid, food or minerals onto the tongue for ingestion, or to communicate with other animals.
licking, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary
Licking definition: A beating, thrashing, or spanking. Licking Sentence Examples He grabbed an order of French fries and a burger at the drive-in of a national chain, eating on the road, licking the salt from his fingers as he searched among the glass and steel structures for the address he had jotted down earlier. Within the city limits the Muskingum is crossed by seven bridges (including a ...
When people or animals lick something, they move their tongue across its surface. She folded up her letter, licking the envelope flap with relish.
Substances that are or may be consumed by licking, esp. scraps, dregs or leftovers on a plate or cup (also figurative). Also: a supply of minerals, etc., given to animals (see lick n. 4b).
(Definition of licking from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Physiology to pass the tongue over the surface of, as to moisten, taste, or eat: [~ + object] to lick a postage stamp. [no object] The cat was licking at its fur.