
Dictionary
1stick
noun \ˈstik\
Definition of STICK
1
: a woody piece or part of a tree or shrub: as a : a usually dry or dead severed shoot, twig, or slender branch b : a cut or broken branch or piece of wood gathered for fuel or construction material
2
a : a long slender piece of wood or metal: as (1) : a club or staff used as a weapon (2) : walking stick b : an implement used for striking or propelling an object in a game c : something used to force compliance d : a baton symbolizing an office or dignity; also : a person entitled to bear such a baton
3
: a piece of the materials composing something (as a building)
4
: any of various implements resembling a stick in shape, origin, or use: as a : composing stick b : an airplane lever operating the elevators and ailerons c : the gearshift lever of an automobile
5
: something prepared (as by cutting, molding, or rolling) in a relatively long and slender often cylindrical form <a stick of candy> <a stick of butter>
7
plural : remote usually rural districts regarded especially as backward, dull, or unsophisticated : boondocks
8
: an herbaceous stalk resembling a woody stick <celery sticks>
10
: a piece of furniture
11
a : a number of bombs arranged for release from a bombing plane in a series across a target b : a number of parachutists dropping together
12
slang : a marijuana cigarette
13
a : punishment or the threat of punishment used to force compliance or cooperation <choosing between the carrot and the stick> b British : criticism, abuse
— stick·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
Origin of STICK
Middle English stik, from Old English sticca; akin to Old Norse stik stick, Old English stician to stick
First Known Use: before 12th century
2stick
transitive verb
Definition of STICK
: to hit or propel (as a hockey puck) with a stick
First Known Use of STICK
1937
3stick
verb
stuck \ˈstək\ stick·ing
Definition of STICK
transitive verb
1
a : to pierce with something pointed : stab b : to kill by piercing
2
: to push or thrust so as or as if to pierce
4
: to put or set in a specified place or position
5
: to furnish with things fastened on by or as if by piercing
6
: to attach by or as if by causing to adhere to a surface
7
a : to compel to pay especially by trickery <got stuck with the bar bill> b : overcharge
9
10
: to execute (a landing) flawlessly in gymnastics
intransitive verb
1
: to hold to something firmly by or as if by adhesion: a : to become fixed in place by means of a pointed end b : to become fast by or as if by miring or by gluing or plastering <stuck in the mud>
2
a : to remain in a place, situation, or environment b : to hold fast or adhere resolutely : cling <she stuck to her story> c : to remain effective d : to keep close in a chase or competition
3
: to become blocked, wedged, or jammed
5
— stick in one's craw
: to irritate, nag at, or obsess one
— stick it to
: to treat harshly or unfairly
— stick one's neck out
: to make oneself vulnerable by taking a risk
— stick to one's guns
: to maintain one's position especially in face of opposition
— stuck on
: infatuated with
Origin of STICK
Middle English stikken, from Old English stician; akin to Old High German sticken to prick, Latin instigare to urge on, goad, Greek stizein to tattoo
First Known Use: before 12th century
Synonym Discussion of STICK
stick, adhere, cohere, cling, cleave mean to become closely attached. stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together <couldn't get the label to stick>. adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together <antibodies adhering to a virus>. cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass <eggs will make the mixture cohere>. cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils <clinging to a capsized boat>. cleave stresses strength of attachment <the wet shirt cleaved to his back>.
4stick
noun
Definition of STICK
1
: a thrust with a pointed instrument : stab
2
a : delay, stop b : impediment
3
: adhesive quality or substance
First Known Use of STICK
1633
STICK Defined for Kids
1stick
noun \ˈstik\
Definition of STICK for Kids
1
: a cut or broken branch or twig
2
: a long thin piece of wood
3
: walking stick 1
4
: something like a stick in shape or use <fish sticks> <a hockey stick>
2stick
verb
stuck \ˈstək\stick·ing
Definition of STICK for Kids
1
: to push into or through <I stuck a needle in my finger.>
2
: to stab or pierce with something pointed <Ow! The thorn stuck me.>
3
: to put in place by or as if by pushing <She stuck candles in the cake.>
4
: to push out, up, into, or under <I stuck out my hand.>
5
: to put in a specified place or position <I stuck a cap on my head.>
6
: to remain in a place, situation, or environment <We decided to stick where we were.>
7
: to halt the movement or action of <The car was stuck in traffic.>
8
: baffle <I got stuck on the first problem.>
9
: to burden with something unpleasant <She was stuck with paying the bill.>
10
: to fix or become fixed in place by or as if by gluing <Stick a stamp on the letter.>
11
: to cling or cause to cling <My wet clothes stuck to me.>
12
: to become blocked or jammed <The door is stuck.>
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