# wick

/ˈwɪk/ (US) · /wˈɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wick
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the string in the middle of a candle that you light with a match. It pulls the liquid wax up so the flame can keep burning.

For teachers: a cord or strand of braided fibers that draws liquid fuel to a flame by capillary action. Typically found in candles, oil lamps, or lighters.

## Examples

- The candle went out because the wick was too short.
- Before lighting the new candle, she trimmed the wick to ensure it would burn evenly without smoking.
- The efficiency of an oil lamp depends largely on the quality of the wick, which must be porous enough to maintain a steady flow of fuel through capillary attraction.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the idiom 'get on someone's wicks' in British English to mean annoying someone, though 'get on someone's tits' or 'get on someone's nerves' is more common.

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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.