licking Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest
   defeat.
   
   • it was a narrow defeat
   • the army's only defeat
   • they suffered a convincing licking
2. noun the act of inflicting corporal punishment with repeated blows
   trouncing; whacking; drubbing; thrashing; lacing; beating.
   
3. verb beat thoroughly and conclusively in a competition or fight
   bat; lick; drub; clobber; thrash; cream.
   
   • We licked the other team on Sunday!
4. verb pass the tongue over
   lick; lap.
   
   • the dog licked her hand
5. verb find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
   lick; work out; work; puzzle out; solve; figure out.
   
   • did you solve the problem?
   • Work out your problems with the boss
   • this unpleasant situation isn't going to work itself out
   • did you get it?
   • Did you get my meaning?
   • He could not work the math problem
6. verb take up with the tongue
   lick; lap; lap up.
   
   • The cat lapped up the milk
   • the cub licked the milk from its mother's breast

WordNet