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stick · verb /stɪk/Full view
Nouns: stick, sticker
Adjectives: sticky, stuck, unstuck
Verbs: stick
stick
B1 I or T to become joined to something else or to make something become joined to something else, usually with a substance like glue
Dictionary examples:

Stick the tape on the back of the picture.

My car's stuck in the mud.

The cupcakes stuck to the pan.

It was so hot that my clothes stuck to me.

My book got wet and now the pages are stuck together.

Learner example:

Then I am going to buy those glow-in-the-dark stars to stick on the ceiling, so that at night, I can see stars. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

stick (sth) in/into/through, etc.
B2 If something sharp sticks into something, it goes into it, and if you stick something sharp somewhere, you push it into something.
Dictionary example:

The nurse stuck the needle into his arm.

Learner example:

The body of his boss's wife lay on the ground, a knife stuck in her heart. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

stick by sb
C1 to continue to support someone when they are having problems
Dictionary examples:

I'll stick by you whatever happens.

She was determined to stick by her family.

stick out
B2 to go past the surface or edge of something
Dictionary examples:

Ryan's ears stick out a little, don't they!

There was a handkerchief sticking out of his jacket pocket.

Learner example:

The seat was damaged and something was sticking out. (Skills for Life (Level 1); B2; Czech)

stick to sth
B2 to limit yourself to doing or using one particular thing and not change to anything else
Dictionary examples:

Could you stick to the point, please?

Stick to the trail - you don't want to get lost.

I have trouble sticking to a budget.

Learner example:

I'll stick to baggy t-shirts, jeans, baseball caps and [sneak]ers. (First Certificate in English; B2; Korean)

stick together
B2 If people stick together, they support and help each other.
Dictionary example:

If we all stick together, we can succeed.

Learner example:

Who would ever have thoug[h]t that the little school band from the good old days would get so far? It must be at least 20 years since we left school, and I haven't seen any of the good old school mates for more than 10 [years], but they must have stuck together. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

stick up for sb/sth
C1 to support someone or something when they are being criticized
Dictionary example:

I feel I have to stick up for him.

Learner example:

Two brothers Lev and Dmitri used to stick up for each other at school and could never be beaten at any physical sport because they were extremely strong. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

stick with sth/sb
B2 to continue doing something or using someone to do work for you, and not stopping or changing to something or someone else
Dictionary examples:

He said that he was going to stick with the traditions established by his grandfather.

He's a good car mechanic - I think we should stick with him.

Learner example:

[O]n Monday [the] 13 and Wednesday [the] 14 of March, we still stick with your plan. (First Certificate in English; B2; Thai)

stick · noun C /stɪk/
Nouns: stick, sticker
Adjectives: sticky, stuck, unstuck
Verbs: stick
stick
B1 a long, thin piece of wood, usually broken or fallen from a tree
Dictionary examples:

The campers collected sticks to start a fire.

Don't wave that stick around - you could hurt someone!

The lawn was littered with sticks and leaves.

Learner example:

But when we ran into a quiet street, he stopped and hit me with a stick. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

walking/hockey, etc. stick
B1 a long, thin piece of wood that you use when you are walking/playing hockey, etc.
Dictionary example:

She uses a walking stick.

Learner example:

I am very sad, because I have lost my hockey stick and it was very special to me; a very famous player [gave] it to me as a present. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

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