wick

1 of 2

noun

ˈwik How to pronounce wick (audio)
: a bundle of fibers or a loosely twisted, braided, or woven cord, tape, or tube usually of soft spun cotton threads that by capillarity 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
Its wick-away fabric dries quickly when splashed and sweeps sweat away from skin. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026 The moisture-wick lining is also a nice touch for humid summer days. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 June 2026
Verb
The insoles are also breathable and wick away moisture to keep your feet dry in warm weather. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 The boots are crafted with soft sheepskin, which naturally wicks away moisture. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 3 June 2026 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

Phrases Containing wick

Rhymes for wick

See All Rhymes for wick

Browse Nearby Words

wichuraiana
wick
wickape
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wick. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wick

1 of 2 noun
ˈwik How to pronounce wick (audio)
: 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
ˈwik How to pronounce wick (audio)
: 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

Nglish: Translation of wick for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wick

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