stick

UK: stɪk | US: stɪk

Definition

  1. n. a thin piece of wood or other material

  2. n. a long, slender object used for support or hitting

  3. vt. to attach or fasten something with an adhesive

  4. vi. to remain fixed in place

Structure
stick <piece of wood, from Old English sticca>
Etymology

The word "stick" originates from Old English sticca, meaning "a piece of wood" or "a rod." It is a Germanic word with roots in Proto-Germanic stikkô, related to the idea of something pointed or stiff. Over time, its meaning expanded to include both the physical object (e.g., a walking stick) and the action of adhering (e.g., "stick to a surface"). The verb form evolved from the notion of fixing something firmly, akin to driving a stick into the ground.

Examples

  1. She picked up a stick to draw in the sand.

  2. The glue made the paper stick to the wall.

  3. He used a stick to poke the fire.

  4. The label won’t stick to the wet surface.

  5. They decided to stick to the original plan.