# sticks

/ˈstɪks/ (US) · /stˈɪks/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. pieces of wood

noun · CEFR A2

small, thin pieces of wood that have fallen from a tree.

For teachers: the plural of 'stick', referring to thin pieces of wood or branches separated from a tree or shrub.

- The children spent the afternoon gathering dry sticks to build a small campfire.
- After the heavy storm, the lawn was littered with broken sticks and debris that had been blown down from the ancient oaks.

### 2. the countryside

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a place that is far away from any town or city.

For teachers: a remote rural area or the countryside, often used with a slightly derogatory or dismissive tone.

- I grew up out in the sticks, so it took me a long time to get used to city traffic.
- They decided to move out to the sticks to find some peace, though they soon realised the commute to the office was nearly two hours each way.

### 4. crutches

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a slang word for crutches used to help someone walk.

For teachers: a slang term for crutches or walking aids, typically used in the plural.

- He's been on sticks for three weeks since he broke his ankle playing football.
- After the surgery, she was forced to get around on sticks until the physical therapist cleared her for weight-bearing exercises.

## Examples

- I grew up in the sticks, miles from the nearest shop.
- After living in London for a decade, she found it difficult to adjust to a quiet life out in the sticks.
- While some find the peace of the sticks restorative, others are quickly overwhelmed by the lack of infrastructure and the significant distance to the nearest cultural hub.

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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.