stick

A long, thin piece of wood.

• The dog carried a stick.
• We used sticks to light the fire.
• He stirred the paint with a wooden stick.

Common phrases: wooden stick, long stick, pick up stick

A long, thin piece of a material or food.

• Would you like a stick of gum?
• He cut the carrots into sticks.
• The recipe needs a whole stick of butter.

How to use it: stick of something (She added a stick of cinnamon to the drink.)

Similar words: piece, item

Common phrases: stick of something, stick of gum, celery stick, cinnamon stick

A small, thin branch from a tree or bush, often one that has fallen.

• A stick fell from the tree.
• Birds gathered sticks for their nest.
• She cleared the fallen sticks from the path.

Similar words: twig, branch

Common phrases: fallen stick, dry stick, pile of sticks

A long, thin object that you hold to support yourself while walking.

• Grandad walks with a stick.
• She leaned on her stick while climbing the steps.
• Have you seen my walking stick?

Similar words: walking stick, cane

Common phrases: walking stick, use a stick, lean on stick

To attach something to a surface, or stay attached to it.

• Stick the photo on the wall.
• The rice stuck to the pan.
• These labels do not stick very well.

How to use it: stick to something (The dough sticks to my hands.); stick something on something (Stick the label on the box.); stick something together (We stuck the broken pieces together with glue.)

Similar words: attach, adhere

Opposites: detach

Common phrases: stick to something, stick something on, stick together

To put something somewhere, often quickly or without much care.

• Stick your coat on that chair.
• I stuck the keys in my pocket.
• Where did you stick the shopping bags?

How to use it: stick something in/on somewhere (Stick your bag in the cupboard.)

Similar words: put, place, shove

Common phrases: stick something in, stick something on, stick something somewhere

To continue supporting someone or following a plan, belief, or decision despite difficulties.

• Stick to your plan.
• His friends stuck by him when he lost his job.
• She has always stuck to her principles.

How to use it: stick to something (We should stick to our original plan.); stick by someone (Her family stuck by her during the trial.); stick with someone/something (I will stick with this team even if we lose.)

Similar words: stand by, adhere to

Common phrases: stick to something, stick by someone, stick with someone

To stop moving freely because something is tight, blocked, or caught.

• This drawer tends to stick.
• The door stuck, so I pushed harder.
• Does the window always stick in wet weather?

Similar words: jam, catch

Common phrases: door may stick, stick halfway