wick

1 of 2

noun

: a bundle of fibers or a loosely twisted, braided, or woven cord, tape, or tube usually of soft spun cotton threads that by capillary attraction draws up to be burned a steady supply of the oil in lamps or the melted tallow or wax in candles

wick

2 of 2

verb

wicked; wicking; wicks

transitive verb

: to absorb or drain (a fluid, moisture, etc.) like a wick
a fabric that wicks away perspiration

Examples of wick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Weighing-in at 3.9 ounces for a size medium, these lightweight shorts are designed with slightly stretchy, durable polyester fabric that dries quickly and wicks moisture well. Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2024 The humidifier uses an antimicrobial wick filter (lasting six months and has a replacement indicator) that’s designed to capture the minerals that cause white dust, while the wick filter also traps pollutants. Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2024
Verb
The boot is great for indoor and outdoor wear because of the cozy sheepskin lining that wicks away moisture and keeps you warm during cool weather. Genevieve Cepeda, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024 This mattress is constructed with latex, organic wool, cashmere, and cotton to help wick away moisture and regulate temperature. Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wick 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English weke, wicke, from Old English wēoce; akin to Old High German wiohha wick, Middle Irish figid he weaves

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wick was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near wick

Cite this Entry

“Wick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wick. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

wick

1 of 2 noun
ˈwik
: a cord, strip, or ring of loosely woven material through which a liquid (as wax or oil) is drawn to the top in a candle, lamp, or oil stove for burning

wick

2 of 2 verb
: to absorb or drain (as a fluid or moisture) like a wick
fabric that wicks away sweat

Medical Definition

wick

1 of 2 noun
: a strip of material (as gauze) placed in a wound to serve as a drain

wick

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to absorb or drain (as fluid or moisture) like a wick
often used with away
a dry gauze dressing was used to wick exudate away from the wound

More from Merriam-Webster on wick

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