# stick /ˈstɪk/ (US) · /stˈɪk/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stick Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. to attach verb · CEFR A2 to fix something to another surface using glue, tape, or a pin. For teachers: to cause something to adhere to a surface; transitive when used with an object and often followed by 'to'. - He used some tape to stick the poster to his bedroom wall. - The technician had to stick the warning label directly onto the glass so that it would be visible to anyone entering the laboratory. ### 2. to become trapped verb · CEFR B1 to become fixed in one position so that you cannot move. For teachers: to become lodged or jammed in a particular position, preventing further motion. - The key got stuck in the lock and I couldn't turn it. - The heavy cargo ship became stuck in the narrow canal, causing a massive delay for dozens of other vessels waiting to pass through. ### 3. to put somewhere verb · CEFR B1 · Informal to put something in a place quickly or without much care. For teachers: to place or set something down in a casual, hurried, or careless manner. - Just stick your bags in the corner and come have some tea. - He decided to stick the extra files in the bottom drawer, hoping he wouldn't need to look at them again for several months. ### 4. to stay or remain verb · CEFR B2 to stay with an idea, a plan, or a person and not change. For teachers: to remain loyal or persistent; frequently used in the phrasal verb 'stick to' or 'stick with'. - If you stick to your diet, you will see results in a few weeks. - Despite the initial setbacks, the team decided to stick with their original strategy rather than switching to a riskier alternative. ### 5. to push into verb · CEFR B1 to push a sharp object into something. For teachers: to pierce or poke something with a pointed object. - Be careful not to stick your finger with that needle. - The chef used a small wooden skewer to stick the meat and vegetables together before placing them on the grill. ### 6. piece of wood noun · CEFR A2 a long, thin piece of wood that has fallen from a tree. For teachers: a branch or shoot of a tree or shrub that has been cut or broken off. - The children spent the afternoon gathering sticks to build a small fire. - The hiker used a sturdy fallen stick to help maintain his balance while navigating the slippery rocks near the stream. ### 7. cylindrical unit noun · CEFR B1 a long, thin piece of something, like butter, gum, or glue. For teachers: a quantity of a substance formed into a slender, roughly cylindrical or rectangular shape. - The recipe calls for one stick of butter and two cups of sugar. - She always kept a stick of lip balm in her pocket to prevent her skin from drying out during the winter months. ### 8. criticism noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal severe criticism or verbal abuse. For teachers: harsh criticism or punishment; often used in the phrase 'to get stick'. - The goalkeeper got a lot of stick from the fans after he missed the ball. - The politician took a fair amount of stick from the press after his controversial comments were leaked to the public. ### 9. the remote countryside noun · CEFR C1 · Informal a place that is far away from any town or city. For teachers: rural areas far from cities or urban centres; almost always used as 'the sticks'. - I grew up out in the sticks, so moving to London was a huge change. - They decided to sell their apartment and move out to the sticks to enjoy a quieter pace of life near the mountains. ## Examples - The dog fetches the stick. - He found a sturdy stick to use as a walking cane on the long hike. - The child's imagination transformed the simple stick into a magic wand, a knight's sword, and a conductor's baton, all within the space of an afternoon. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.