First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1lather
noun lath·er \ˈla-thər\
: tiny bubbles formed from soap mixed with water
: a very upset, angry, or worried condition
Full Definition of LATHER
1
a : a foam or froth formed when a detergent (as soap) is agitated in water b : foam or froth from profuse sweating (as on a horse)
2
: an agitated or overwrought state : dither <worked himself into a lather>
— lath·ery \-th(ə-)rē\ adjective
See lather defined for English-language learners
See lather defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of LATHER
Middle English *lather, from Old English lēathor; akin to Latin lavere to wash — more at lye
2lather
verb
: to spread lather over (something)
: to form lather
lath·eredlath·er·ing \-th(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of LATHER
transitive verb
1
: to spread lather over
2
: to beat severely : flog
intransitive verb
: to form a lather or a froth like lather
— lath·er·er \-thər-ər\ noun
See lather defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LATHER
before 12th century
Related to LATHER
- Synonyms
- bash, baste, bat, batter, belabor, belt, birch, bludgeon, buffet, bung up, club, curry, do, drub, fib [British], flog, hammer, hide, lace, lambaste (or lambast), lash, beat, lick, maul, mess (up), paddle, pelt, pommel, pound, pummel, punch out, rough (up), slate, slog, switch, tan, thrash, thresh, thump, tromp, wallop, whale, whip, whop (or whap), whup, work over
LATHERY Defined for Kids
1lather
noun lath·er \ˈla-thər\
Definition of LATHER for Kids
1
: the foam made by stirring soap and water together
2
: foam from sweating (as on a horse)
2lather
verb
lath·eredlath·er·ing
Definition of LATHER for Kids
1
: to spread soapy foam over <He lathered his hair.>
2
: to form a foam <This soap lathers well.>
Learn More About LATHER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: latherwortPrevious Word in the Dictionary: lathemanAll Words Near: lather
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up lather? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).