1 A2 informal
To turn the pages of a book or magazine quickly, without reading every word.
"She flicked through the fashion magazine while waiting at the dentist."
inseparable
flick through
A2 informal inseparable transitive
To turn the pages of a book or magazine quickly without reading carefully, or to change through TV channels rapidly.
In plain English
To look quickly through a magazine or book by turning the pages fast, or to zap through TV channels.
What does "flick through" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 informal
To change television or radio channels rapidly, browsing without settling on one.
"He flicked through the channels for ten minutes before giving up and turning the TV off."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move (a finger) with a flick action through pages — transparent.
Actually means
To look quickly through a magazine or book by turning the pages fast, or to zap through TV channels.
Usage tip
Extremely common in everyday British and American English. Can apply to physical materials (magazines, books) or digital channels. Very similar to 'thumb through' but the latter is only for physical pages.
Words that pair with "flick through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
magazine book channels catalogue photos newspaper
How to conjugate "flick through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
flick through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
flicks through
he/she/it
Past simple
flicked through
yesterday
Past participle
flicked through
have + pp
-ing form
flicking through
continuous
Hear "flick through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "flick through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.