What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lick
Example
The dog licked my hand when I gave him a treat. [licked: past tense]
Example
She licked the ice cream off her spoon. [lick: verb]
lap
Example
The cat lapped up the milk from the bowl. [lapped: past tense]
Example
He lapped at the water with his tongue. [lap: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lick is more commonly used than lap in everyday language. Lick is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lap is less common and has a more specific meaning related to drinking liquids.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lick and lap?
Both lick and lap are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, lick may have a more playful or sensual connotation, making it even less appropriate for formal situations.
