lather

1 of 2

noun

lath·​er ˈla-t͟hər How to pronounce lather (audio)
1
a
: a foam or froth formed when a detergent (such 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
lathery adjective

lather

2 of 2

verb

lathered; lathering ˈla-t͟h(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce lather (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to spread lather over
2
: to beat severely : flog

intransitive verb

: to form a lather or a froth like lather
latherer noun

Examples of lather in a Sentence

Noun The soap and water formed a lot of lather. The soap and water formed a lather. Verb He lathered his face before shaving. the farmer lathered the recalcitrant mule
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Editors’ Picks After all, what is the Row, the label that whips the fashion cognoscenti into a lather, if not advanced basics? Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 This innovative gel-serum formula lathers into a rich foam that cleanses and conditions without stripping moisture. Angela Lei, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
After licking and lathering up the levers, Hormona shockingly chose one of two poles that sent Visage plunging into Badonka Dunk depths, keeping her around for another week (much to Kori King's dismay, mind you). Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025 Most Popular Editor’s tip: Use a scalp massage brush while lathering to maximize benefits and promote healthy hair growth. Erin Parker, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lather

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English *lather, from Old English lēathor; akin to Latin lavere to wash — more at lye

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lather was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Lather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lather. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

lather

1 of 2 noun
lath·​er ˈlat͟h-ər How to pronounce lather (audio)
1
a
: foam formed when a detergent (as soap) is stirred or shaken in water
b
: foam from sweating (as on a horse)
2
: a highly nervous or excited state : dither
worked himself into a lather

lather

2 of 2 verb
lathered; lathering ˈlat͟h-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce lather (audio)
1
: to spread lather over
2
: to form lather or a froth like lather

More from Merriam-Webster on lather

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