flick

¹

[ flik ]

noun

1. a sudden light blow or tap, as with a whip or the finger:

   She gave the horse a flick with her riding crop.

2. the sound made by such a blow or tap.
3. a light and rapid movement:

   a flick of the wrist.

4. something thrown off with or as if with a jerk:

   a flick of mud.

verb (used with object)

1. to strike lightly with a whip, the finger, etc.
2. to remove with such a stroke:

   to flick away a crumb.

3. to move (something) with a sudden stroke or jerk.

verb (used without object)

1. to move with a jerk or jerks.
2. to flutter; flicker.

flick

²

[ flik ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a motion picture; movie.

flick

¹

/ flɪk /

noun

1. a cinema film
2. the flicks
   the cinema

   what's on at the flicks tonight?

flick

²

/ flɪk /

verb

1. tr to touch with or as if with the finger or hand in a quick jerky movement
2. tr to propel or remove by a quick jerky movement, usually of the fingers or hand

   to flick a piece of paper at someone

3. to move or cause to move quickly or jerkily
4. intrfoll bythrough to read or look at (a book, newspaper, etc) quickly or idly
5. to snap or click (the fingers) to produce a sharp sound

noun

1. a tap or quick stroke with the fingers, a whip, etc
2. the sound made by such a stroke
3. a fleck, streak, or particle
4. give someone the flick informal.
   to dismiss someone from consideration

Word History and Origins

Origin of flick¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English flykke; imitative

Origin of flick²

First recorded in 1925–30; shortening of flicker ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of flick¹

C15: of imitative origin; compare French flicflac

Example Sentences

The prosecution say he then armed himself with two knives, one large kitchen knife, and another flick knife, and went up two flights of stairs to Mr Bush’s bedroom, where an attack began.

From BBC

“We know from recent history that the incoming administration will undoubtedly push both a legislative and a regulatory agenda that is designed to dismantle bedrock conservation laws like the Endangered Species Act, and will work to destroy the wildlife and the habitat that we cherish,” said Pamela Flick, California program director for Defenders of Wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times

The decisive moment in the match came seconds before half-time when a penalty was awarded after Mehdi Taremi's flick on from a corner struck Merino on the hand.

From BBC

We reconnected for a kitschy Instagram flick under the store’s arch of books.

From Los Angeles Times

Real Madrid's magic midfielder captained her country across both legs and led by example on Tuesday, marking her return to Scottish shores with a sweet slotted finish following Martha Thomas' cute flick.

From BBC

Related Words

• flip
• snap
• tap