WordGarden.ioflick
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /flˈɪk/
US
- /ˈflɪk/
Meanings
Verb
to move, strike, or send something with a short quick motion
to look or move quickly through pages, channels, or items
Noun
a short quick movement or light sharp hit
a movie
Beyond the definition
A "flick" is a versatile word that usually suggests something quick, light, and brief. Picture a small movement of the wrist or fingers that sends something away or turns something on. You might flick dust off your coat, flick through TV channels, or flick a light switch.
It can also mean a light, quick tap, or even a very brief glance. In everyday speech, it is also a common informal word for a movie. So whether you are brushing something away, looking at something for a moment, or going out to see a flick, the word carries a sense of speed and lightness.
The word "flick" usually describes a quick, light movement. It often suggests a small action made with the fingers, hand, or wrist. For example, a "flick of the wrist" might send a ball spinning away, and a person might flick water off their hands or flick crumbs from a table.
As a verb, "to flick" can mean to strike or move something with a sharp, light motion. It can also mean to move quickly through something, as when you flick through the pages of a magazine or flick through photos on a phone. In some contexts, it can describe a very brief look, like a quick flick of the eyes toward the door.
As a noun, it can also mean a light tap or a quick glance. Someone might give a card a flick to move it across a table, or take a flick at the clock before leaving the room. The exact meaning usually depends on what is being moved and how fast the action happens.
In the world of entertainment, "flick" is also a popular informal word for a movie. This meaning comes from the early days of cinema, when the image on the screen seemed to flicker. Across its meanings, the word usually keeps the same core idea: something quick, light, and short.
Examples
- 1
Light switch
She flicked the light switch, and the room went dark.
- 2
Cleaning clothes
He flicked a bit of dust off his jacket before the interview.
- 3
Quick reading
I flicked through the magazine while I was waiting.
- Patternflick through + reading material
look at it quickly without reading everything
- 4
Hair movement
She flicked her hair back and looked up at him.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Wrist movement
With a quick flick of his wrist, he sent the card across the table.
- 6
Informal movie
It’s a fun little summer flick, nothing too serious.
- Usageflick
movie; informal
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- flicknounverb
Forms
- flickspluralnounverb
- flickedpast tenseverbnoun
- flicking-ing formverbnoun