# sticking

/ˈstɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /stˈɪkɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sticking
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. attaching to a surface

verb · CEFR A2

the act of being fixed or attached to something else, often with glue or tape.

For teachers: the state of adhering to a surface or being fixed in place by suction or an adhesive substance.

- The labels aren't sticking to the plastic bottles very well.
- The technician noticed that the thermal paste was not sticking properly to the processor, which caused the system to overheat during the stress test.

### 2. staying with a task

verb · CEFR B1

continuing to do something even when it is difficult.

For teachers: persisting with a particular task, plan, or belief despite obstacles or the passage of time.

- Sticking to a strict diet is much harder than starting one.
- By sticking to their original strategy despite the market volatility, the firm eventually secured a significant return on their investment.

### 3. drumming technique

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the way a drummer uses their sticks to hit the drums in a specific pattern.

For teachers: the specific sequence or arrangement of strokes played with drumsticks in a percussion performance.

- The teacher showed the student the correct sticking for the drum roll.
- The complex sticking required for the rudimental solo challenged even the most experienced percussionists in the conservatory.

### 4. damaged meat

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · British English

low-quality or damaged meat used to make sausages.

For teachers: coarse or bruised meat typically sold to manufacturers of processed goods like sausages or pies.

- In the past, sticking was often used to fill cheap meat pies.
- The historical records of the butcher's guild mention the sale of sticking to local sausage makers at a significantly reduced price.

## Examples

- He is sticking the poster to the wall.
- The damp weather is causing the wooden doors to swell, making them start sticking in their frames.
- Despite the initial setbacks and mounting pressure from the board, the CEO is sticking to her long-term strategy of sustainable growth over immediate profits.

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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.