licking

[ lik-ing ]

noun

1. Informal.
   1. a beating or thrashing.
   2. a reversal or disappointment; defeat or setback.
2. the act of a person or thing that licks.

licking

/ ˈlɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. a beating
2. a defeat

Other Words From

• non·licking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of licking¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; lick, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“So it kind of collapsed at the end, which I think actually gives it a little bit more of a cult quality,” he says, still licking his wounds but looking for the silver lining.

From Los Angeles Times

Both Rodgers and the Jets will arrive in London banged-up and licking their wounds after an ugly 10-9 home defeat to the Denver Broncos on Sunday dropped them to 2-2 for the season.

From BBC

Mateo Retegui - the man whose penalty was saved - was licking his lips at the chance to make up for it by heading into an empty net.

From BBC

Undoubtedly Hezbollah and its allies in Iran, whose ambassador to Beirut was wounded in the attack, will be licking their wounds at the moment.

From BBC

In one case, inspectors found handwritten notes instructing staff to pour various hot sauces into a Husky’s wound to prevent licking.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• whipping