# wicket

/ˈhwɪkət/ (US) · /wˈɪkɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wicket
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. cricket equipment

noun · CEFR B2

the set of three wooden sticks (stumps) that a player tries to hit with a ball in cricket.

For teachers: the structure consisting of three vertical stumps and two horizontal bails at either end of the pitch.

- The bowler managed to hit the wicket and the crowd cheered loudly.
- The ball nipped back off the seam, clipping the top of the off-wicket before the batsman could bring his bat down in time.

### 2. cricket dismissal

noun · CEFR B2

the act of a player being 'out' in a game of cricket.

For teachers: the dismissal of a batsman by the bowling side.

- The team needs to take one more wicket to win the match.
- The opening bowler took three quick wickets in the first session, putting the batting side under immense pressure.

### 3. service window

noun · CEFR C1 · British English

a small window where you talk to a worker, like at a bank or a train station.

For teachers: a service counter or window through which transactions are conducted with a teller or clerk.

- I waited in line at the ticket wicket to buy a pass for the underground.
- The bank clerk gestured for the next customer to approach the wicket to complete the wire transfer.

### 4. small gate

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a small door or gate, often built into or next to a much larger one.

For teachers: a small pedestrian door or gate, typically integrated into a larger portal or situated alongside it.

- We entered the garden through a small wooden wicket beside the main driveway.
- The heavy iron gates remained locked, but a small wicket allowed the groundskeeper to enter and exit without revealing the courtyard.

### 5. croquet arch

noun · CEFR C2 · American English

one of the small metal hoops that you hit a ball through in the game of croquet.

For teachers: any of the small wire arches or hoops through which balls are driven in the game of croquet.

- She carefully aimed her mallet to send the ball straight through the final wicket.
- The player struggled to navigate the tight angle of the penultimate wicket, eventually missing the shot by a fraction of an inch.

## Examples

- The bowler knocked over the middle stump of the wicket.
- After a heavy rain, the wicket became soft and difficult for the batsmen to play on.
- The captain decided to bat first, noting that the wicket appeared dry and likely to favour spin bowlers as the match progressed into the final afternoon.

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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.