whole-hog

1 of 3

adjective

: committed without reservation : thoroughgoing
a whole-hog patriot

whole hog

2 of 3

noun

: the whole way or farthest limit
usually used adverbially in the phrase go the whole hog

whole hog

3 of 3

adverb

: to the fullest extent : without reservation : completely
accepting whole hog the standards … of the majorityR. B. Kaplan

Examples of whole-hog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Here's How to Style Them By Charlie Hobbs The whole-hog barbecue that legendary pitmaster Rodney Scott serves is smoky, tender, and downright tasty. Latria Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 May 2023 The enchanting smell is porchetta, a delicious homage to whole-hog cooking that’s as revered as barbecue in the American South. Christopher Kimball, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024
Noun
Then in just North Carolina, there’s the epic division of Eastern (whole hog, vinegar sauce) and Western (pork shoulder, tomato-and-vinegar sauce). Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2024 The second development was that Donald Trump and his family jumped whole hog into the crypto market. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024 However, those craving classic Southern flavors will not be disappointed, as the property is preparing to roll out a packed calendar of culinary experiences, including whole hog BBQs and Lowcountry boils. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2024 Lifestyle How to create a DIY water feature for a habitat garden without breaking the bank July 25, 2024 One of the first was going whole hog into native plants without understanding anything about them. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2024 Besides competing in the whole hog competition, The Pig Diamonds excel at unique submissions for the ancillary categories like beef, chicken, wings, seafood, and sauces. Kristin M. Hall, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2024 Think pastrami brisket, South Carolina-style whole hog (available on Saturdays), or brisket boudin—inspired by local Cajun and Creole culture. Kayla Stewart, Bon Appétit, 23 Feb. 2024 This barbecue joint boasts award-winning Carolina barbecue (ahem, second place in the whole hog at the 2017 Memphis in May). Katie Toussaint, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Owner Don Nguyen frequently dabbles outside of Texan barbecue traditions, looking to the Carolinas for whole hog cooking and sausage making—much of it with a Southeast Asian bent. Dan Q. Dao, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1829, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1825, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whole-hog was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near whole-hog

Cite this Entry

“Whole-hog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole-hog. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

whole hog

1 of 2 noun
: the whole way or farthest limit : all
go the whole hog and invite all your friends

whole hog

2 of 2 adverb
: to the fullest extent : completely
accepted whole hog their explanation of events
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