: 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
wicked; wicking; wicks
: 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
Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
The outer shell naturally regulates temperature and wicks moisture to keep heat from building up.
—ABC News, 16 May 2026
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Designed for movement, the seamless long‑sleeve tee features a smooth, stretchy knit that wicks moisture and layers effortlessly.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wick
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Noun
Quince's Flowknit tee and mid-rise joggers both wick moisture to keep you dry if things get sweaty, while offering plenty of stretch for hours of comfort.
—Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
The outer shell naturally regulates temperature and wicks moisture to keep heat from building up.
—ABC News, 16 May 2026
Verb
They are made of a super-soft polyester-spandex blend that stretches easily and wicks moisture away to ensure a good night’s sleep.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Designed for movement, the seamless long‑sleeve tee features a smooth, stretchy knit that wicks moisture and layers effortlessly.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wick
Cite this Entry
“Wick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wick. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wick
1 of 2 noun
: 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
: 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
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