ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sucking

v. · n. · adj.
US //ˈsəkɪŋ// UK //sˈʌkɪŋ// suck·ing
  1. 1 pulling in liquid (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    the act of pulling liquid or air into your mouth using your muscles.

    the action of drawing something into the mouth by creating a vacuum with the lips and tongue.

    Example

    The child was sucking juice through a straw while watching cartoons.

    Example

    The infant remained calm while sucking on the pacifier, eventually falling into a deep sleep despite the noise in the room.
  2. 2 being very bad (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang

    used to say that something is very bad, annoying, or disappointing.

    functioning as a participle to describe a situation, object, or person as being of extremely poor quality or highly disagreeable.

    Example

    I am tired of this sucking weather ruining our weekend plans.

    Example

    He complained about his sucking luck after missing the train by only a few seconds for the third time this week.
  3. 3 the act or sound (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the physical act or the sound made when someone sucks something.

    the instance or auditory manifestation of suction.

    Example

    The loud sucking sound from the drain meant the water was finally gone.

    Example

    The rhythmic sucking of the pump was the only sound audible in the quiet laboratory during the experiment.
  4. 4 drinking mother's milk (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    describing a young animal or baby that is still drinking its mother's milk.

    referring to an unweaned infant or young animal still nourished by its mother's milk.

    Example

    The farmer looked after the sucking calves in the barn.

    Example

    The ancient text described the protection of sucking lambs during the harsh winter months on the hillside.
    • weaned

Last updated June 20, 2026