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Wick Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wick

[wɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

candle

A piece of cord or twine soaked in tallow or wax and used for lighting a candle or gas lamp.

Synonyms

cord, twine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wick

Typically found in candles and oil lamps, a wick is used to draw up fuel to burn. It is generally a thin, braided or twisted piece of material.

  • She lit the candle's wick and watched the flame flicker.
  • Make sure the oil lamp's wick is properly trimmed to avoid excessive smoke.
cord

Cord refers to a long, thin, flexible material that can be used for a variety of purposes such as tying, connecting, or electrical purposes. It is often thicker than twine or a wick.

  • The climber tested the strength of the cord before starting his ascent.
  • She used a decorative cord to tie the gift box.
twine

Twine is a strong piece of string made from two or more strands of material twisted together. It is commonly used for tying items together and has various household and crafting uses.

  • I used twine to secure the plants to the stakes in the garden.
  • She tied the package with twine before sending it in the mail.

Examples of usage

  • The wick of the candle was too short, so it kept going out.
  • She trimmed the wick before lighting the candle.
Context #2 | Noun

oil lamp

A woven cord or strand of loosely twisted, braided, or woven fibers that draws up fuel to the flame of an oil lamp or the like.

Synonyms

fiber, strand.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wick

Typically used in the context of candles or oil lamps, referring to the small string that draws up fuel to be burned.

  • She carefully trimmed the wick of the candle before lighting it.
  • The oil lamp's wick needed to be replaced as it had burned down too low.
strand

Often used to describe a single, thin length of something, like hair, wire, or thread. Can also refer to a series or grouping of related events or items.

  • She found a single strand of hair on her sweater.
  • The necklace was made from strands of pearls.
  • There are several strands in the plot of the novel, all woven together into a complex story.
fiber

Used in contexts related to materials, nutrition, or biology. Refers to a thin strand of material, dietary fiber, or cellular structure.

  • Dietary fiber is essential for healthy digestion.
  • The cloth is made from natural fibers like cotton and wool.
  • Muscle fibers can become damaged during strenuous exercise, requiring time to heal.

Examples of usage

  • She replaced the wick in the oil lamp to improve the light.
  • The old wick was too dirty to use.
Context #3 | Noun

fire

A band or bundle of loosely twisted or woven fibrous material that is used to draw up melted tallow or wax and feed it to a candle or other source of light.

Synonyms

band, bundle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wick

Used in situations involving candles, oil lamps, or anything that burns to provide light. It refers to the piece of material that holds the flame.

  • Make sure the wick of the candle is trimmed to avoid excessive smoke.
  • The oil lamp won't light because the wick is too short.
band

Can refer to a group of musicians, a ring of material, or a strip used to hold items together. It is versatile and can describe different objects depending on the context.

  • She plays the guitar in a famous rock band.
  • He wore a gold band on his wedding finger.
  • Use a rubber band to keep these pencils together.
bundle

Typically used to describe a group of items tied or wrapped together. It often implies something that is packaged or presented collectively.

  • She carried a bundle of clothes to the laundromat.
  • The software is sold as a bundle with several useful tools included.

Examples of usage

  • The wick was burning brightly in the center of the flame.
  • He carefully inserted the new wick into the candle.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'wick'

The word 'wick' originates from Middle English 'wike', which is derived from Old English 'wīc'. It has been used to refer to the cord in a candle or lamp since the 14th century. The term evolved over time to represent the material that draws up fuel to a flame, and it remains in common usage today.

See also: wicked, wicker.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,791, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.