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
Her rule of thumb is to choose cotton, which is breathable and wicks moisture away from the skin, while synthetics like polyester tend to trap heat and sweat against it—creating warm, damp conditions that encourage the growth of yeast and bacteria. — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 July 2026 In real life, friendships tend to end more like a candle that gradually reaches the end of its wick. — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
Made from a quick-drying, breathable nylon fabric, these pants wick away sweat on a stuffy airplane or long hike. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026 Activewear Performance fabrics are designed to stretch, wick away moisture, and retain their shape—all of which hot water can gradually work against. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 4 July 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 12 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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