Synonyms
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
For example, a sudden onset of seemingly uncontrollable licking of random surfaces can indicate gastrointestinal problems.
—
Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2023
The toys seem to be pretty durable, maintaining their shape after hours of play, although the fabric’s colors did fade a little due to our cats’ excessive licking.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024
No bang, no whimper — just a bitter licking of wounds.
—Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 17 Dec. 2023
Paw licking is a common behavior among adult dogs that can indicate underlying issues.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2023
The cat has a small spot of irritated skin — brought on by excessive licking and scratching — that needs to heal.
—Cathy Free, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2023
Dish soap can have harsh ingredients that strip away at the dog’s skin barrier causing irritation that will likely lead to discomfort (lots of paw licking and chewing).
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 1 Sep. 2023
This bag took a licking and kept on ticking without being any worse for wear.
—Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2023
Excessive scratching or licking may indicate dryness.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Aug. 2023
Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2023
The toys seem to be pretty durable, maintaining their shape after hours of play, although the fabric’s colors did fade a little due to our cats’ excessive licking.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024
No bang, no whimper — just a bitter licking of wounds.
—Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 17 Dec. 2023
Paw licking is a common behavior among adult dogs that can indicate underlying issues.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2023
The cat has a small spot of irritated skin — brought on by excessive licking and scratching — that needs to heal.
—Cathy Free, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2023
Dish soap can have harsh ingredients that strip away at the dog’s skin barrier causing irritation that will likely lead to discomfort (lots of paw licking and chewing).
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 1 Sep. 2023
This bag took a licking and kept on ticking without being any worse for wear.
—Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2023
Excessive scratching or licking may indicate dryness.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'licking.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near licking
Cite this Entry
“Licking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/licking. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationGeographical Definition
Licking
geographical name
Lick·ing
ˈli-kiŋ 
river 320 miles (515 kilometers) long in northeastern Kentucky flowing northwest into the Ohio River
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