lick

To move your tongue over something to taste it or make it wet.

• The child licked her ice cream.
• He licked his lips after the meal.
• Don't lick the envelope; use a wet sponge.

Common phrases: lick something, lick your lips, lick a stamp, lick a paw

To take food or liquid into your mouth with your tongue.

• She licked honey off the spoon.
• The puppy licked up the milk.
• He licked the last bit of sauce from his plate.

How to use it: lick something off something (She licked the chocolate off her fingers.); lick something up (The dog licked up the spilled milk.)

Similar words: lap up

Common phrases: lick something up, lick something off, lick the spoon

One movement of the tongue over something.

• The dog gave me a lick.
• One lick was enough to taste the salt.
• The cat cleaned its paw with several quick licks.

How to use it: give something a lick (The puppy gave my hand a lick.)

Common phrases: give a lick, quick lick, lick of something

The small amount of food you get by moving your tongue over it once.

• She offered me a lick of ice cream.
• A lick of honey made the tea seem less bitter.
• He asked for just one lick of the chocolate spread.

How to use it: a lick of something (Can I have a lick of your ice cream?)

Similar words: taste

Common phrases: lick of something, one lick, little lick