suck

verb
\ ˈsək How to pronounce suck (audio) \
sucked; sucking; sucks

Definition of suck

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to draw (something, such as liquid) into the mouth through a suction force produced by movements of the lips and tongue sucked milk from his mother's breast
b : to draw something from or consume by such movements suck an orange suck a lollipop
c : to apply the mouth to in order to or as if to suck out a liquid sucked his burned finger
2a : to draw by or as if by suction when a receding wave sucks the sand from under your feet— Kenneth Brower inadvertently sucked into the … intrigue— Martin Levin
b : to take in and consume by or as if by suction a vacuum cleaner sucking up dirt suck up a few beers opponents say that malls suck the life out of downtown areas— Michael Knight

intransitive verb

1 : to draw something in by or as if by exerting a suction force especially : to draw milk from a breast or udder with the mouth
2 : to make a sound or motion associated with or caused by suction his pipe sucked wetly flanks sucked in and out, the long nose resting on his paws— Virginia Woolf
3 : to act in an obsequious manner when they want votes … the candidates come sucking around— W. G. Hardy usually used with up sucked up to the boss
4 slang, sometimes vulgar : to be objectionable or inadequate our lifestyle sucksPlayboy people who went said it sucked— H. S. Thompson
suck it up
: to make the effort required to do or deal with something difficult or unpleasant

suck

noun

Definition of suck (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a sucking movement or force
2 : the act of sucking

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Synonyms & Antonyms for suck

Synonyms: Verb

bite [slang], smell, stink

Antonyms: Verb

rock [slang], rule [slang]

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Examples of suck in a Sentence

Verb

sucking milk through a straw a toddler sucking his thumb She just sucked her teeth and stared. She sucked on an orange slice. I sucked a cough drop. The tide almost sucked us out to sea. The boat was sucked under the water in the storm. These plants suck moisture from the soil. The fan sucks smoke from the air. a vacuum cleaner that sucks up water as well as dirt

Noun

He took a suck on his pipe.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Miguel Castro, a sports copy editor, died at 40, proving once again that cancer sucks. ExpressNews.com, "San Antonio’s news media will have its big night by saluting its own," 3 Aug. 2019 The bearded 60-year-old construction worker said most people kept to themselves around the lake, which has been sucked dry by drought and farms upstream from its main water source, the Walker River. Los Angeles Times, "Gilroy shooter meticulously planned attack, was armed for battle," 31 July 2019 Republican donors have boasted about padding her campaign coffers to help ensure Williamson qualifies for subsequent debates and sucks up valuable air time. Will Weissert, Fortune, "Marianne Williamson Rides Stream of Consciousness to Debate Spotlight," 31 July 2019 Shrapnel hit the left wing and broke a window; passenger Jennifer Riordan was partially sucked out. Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "EAA: Southwest pilot recounts harrowing flight with blown engine, rapid depressurization," 23 July 2019 Corn stalks suck up water from their roots and then release that moisture in the form of water vapor through small pores, called stomata, on the surface of their leaves. Jeff Berardelli, CBS News, ""Corn sweat" makes heat wave even more dangerous," 22 July 2019 Apparently the orcas knew exactly where the liver was located, and sucked the organ out of the open wound. National Geographic, "Orcas eat great white sharks—new insights into rare behavior revealed," 16 July 2019 For most people in the U.S., these are the barest essentials for a night away from home — don’t-leave-the-house-without ‘em, wow-it-would-suck-if-I-forgot-that basics. Kim Kelly, Allure, "Angels With Dirty Faces," 12 July 2019 Vargas Llosa, who had long lived abroad in Paris, was sucked back into Peruvian politics by the Uchuraccay commission and decided to run for president. Rachel Nolan, Harper's magazine, "A Jagged Scrap of History," 24 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Maybe that explains one of the Washington women’s rowing team’s mottos this year: Embrace the suck. Matt Calkins, The Seattle Times, "Washington’s Triple Crown in rowing well earned," 29 May 2017 While these are technically DOT legal, FCA points out that the meats wear quickly on the highway, suck in the rain, and should not, under any circumstances, be used in any way, shape, or form at temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Davey G. Johnson, Car and Driver, "Dodge Demands Owners Sign Waiver When Ordering Demon," 23 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'suck.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of suck

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for suck

Verb

Middle English suken, from Old English sūcan; akin to Old High German sūgan to suck, Latin sugere

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More Definitions for suck

suck

verb

English Language Learners Definition of suck

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to pull (liquid, air, etc.) into your mouth especially while your lips are forming a small hole
: to pull on (something in your mouth) with the muscles of your lips and mouth
: to let (something, such as candy or medicine) stay in your mouth as it melts

suck

noun

English Language Learners Definition of suck (Entry 2 of 2)

: an act of sucking

suck

verb
\ ˈsək How to pronounce suck (audio) \
sucked; sucking

Kids Definition of suck

1