stick down: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “stick down” mean?
To affix or fasten something in place, typically with an adhesive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To affix or fasten something in place, typically with an adhesive; to record something in writing definitively.
Can imply making something permanent, settled, or officially recorded; also used informally to mean 'eat quickly'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. In American English, 'glue down', 'tape down', or simply 'stick' are often preferred for the physical action.
Connotations
UK: Slightly colloquial, pragmatic. US: Less common; can sound slightly British to American ears.
Frequency
Medium frequency in UK; low frequency in US.
Grammar
How to Use “stick down” in a Sentence
[sb] stick down [sth][sb] stick [sth] downVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stick down” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll stick down the loose laminate with some strong adhesive.
- Let's stick down a time for the call so we all remember.
American English
- She used double-sided tape to stick down the rug corner.
- We should stick down the plan before we start spending.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We need to stick down the details of the contract before the meeting."
Academic
Rare; 'formalise' or 'record' are preferred.
Everyday
"Could you stick down this corner of the poster? It's peeling."
Technical
Used in crafts, DIY, and packaging contexts (e.g., 'stick down the seam').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stick down”
- Using 'stick up' instead of 'stick down' for attaching to a flat surface.
- Confusing with 'stick with' (to persist).
- Overusing in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally informal to neutral. In very formal writing, prefer 'affix', 'fasten', or 'record definitively'.
Not literally. You cannot 'stick down' a person. It is for objects or abstract things like plans or ideas.
'Write down' simply means to record in writing. 'Stick down' implies making that record final, agreed, or permanent.
It's a very informal, chiefly British slang usage (e.g., 'He stuck down his lunch in five minutes'). It's less common than the main meanings.
To affix or fasten something in place, typically with an adhesive.
Stick down: in British English it is pronounced /stɪk daʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /stɪk daʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sticky note you press DOWN onto a desk so it doesn't fly away.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE FASTENED (to stick down an idea = to make it permanent).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stick down' LEAST appropriate?