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
Their spongy insides and soft, terry outsides create a nice, thick lather to get your little ones squeaky clean. Ashleigh Morley, Parents, 1 Nov. 2024 Just a pea-size amount is enough to create a satisfying lather for the whole face. Neha Tandon, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
The main ones with a bad rap include sulphates (which make your shampoo lather up to cleanse your hair), silicone (used to reduce frizz and add shine) and parabens (preservatives that stop products going off). Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 19 Mar. 2024 Ensure your hands are fully saturated, as this helps the soap lather effectively and removes initial dirt or germs.2 2. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 9 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near lather

Cite this Entry

“Lather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lather. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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