wicket
wicket Lexical Profile
wicket Game Scores & Validity
• noun
In cricket, either of the two sets of three upright wooden stumps topped by two crosspieces (bails) at each end of the pitch, defended by a batter.
"The fast bowler sent the ball crashing directly into the wicket."
In cricket, the dismissal of a batter, or the period during which two batters are together at the crease.
"The spin bowler took five wickets in the final innings to secure the victory."
In cricket, the strip of closely mowed grass between the two sets of stumps on which the ball is bowled.
"Overnight rain left the wicket damp and unpredictable for the opening batters."
American In croquet, any of the small wire arches or hoops stuck into the ground through which players must hit the balls.
"She carefully lined up her mallet to tap the wooden ball through the final wicket."
A small door or gate, especially one built into or alongside a larger gate, or a small window or opening with a grille at a ticket office or bank.
"Visitors entered the castle courtyard through a narrow wooden wicket set into the main gate."
• Rhymes for wicket
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 14th century from Anglo-French wiket ('small door or gate'), which is of Old Norse origin and related to Old Norse vik ('a turning or corner'). The sense in cricket developed in the early 18th century because the three upright stumps resembled a small gate.