alick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Dialectal, Poetic
Quick answer
What does “alick” mean?
An informal noun meaning a lick or a small amount of something edible.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal noun meaning a lick or a small amount of something edible.
It can also refer to a very brief, swift action or movement, akin to a quick lick.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties; slightly more likely to be encountered in older British dialectal sources.
Connotations
Old-fashioned, quaint, rustic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “alick” in a Sentence
[Verb] + [an/alick] + [of] + [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The child decided to alick the spoon clean.
- He'd alick the stamp before sticking it on.
American English
- The puppy tried to alick the last bit of peanut butter.
- She would alick her finger to turn the page.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; use 'licked')
American English
- (Not standard; use 'licked')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Rarely used, potentially in rustic or family dialects.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alick”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'alike'.
- Overusing it as a substitute for standard 'lick'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered non-standard, archaic, or dialectal.
Yes, informally, it can be used as a verb synonymous with 'lick', but this is very rare.
There is no meaningful difference in definition; 'alick' is simply an older or dialectal variant of 'lick' and is not part of modern standard usage.
For learners of English, it is only useful for understanding very old texts or specific dialects. You should use 'lick' instead in all contexts.
An informal noun meaning a lick or a small amount of something edible.
Alick is usually informal, dialectal, poetic in register.
Alick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈælɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not a alick (not the smallest amount)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cat giving its paw a quick 'A-lick'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SMALL AMOUNT IS A LICK.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'alick' be MOST appropriate?