lather

1 of 2

noun

lath·​er ˈla-t͟hər 

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

ˈla-t͟h(ə-)rē 

adjective

lather

2 of 2

verb

lathered; lathering ˈla-t͟h(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to spread lather over

2

: to beat severely : flog

intransitive verb

: to form a lather or a froth like lather

latherer

ˈla-t͟hər-ər 

noun

Synonyms

Noun

• foam
• froth
• head
• spume
• suds
• surf

Verb

• bash
• baste
• bat
• batter
• beat
• belabor
• belt
• birch
• bludgeon
• buffet
• bung up
• club
• curry
• do
• drub
• fib [British]
• flog
• hammer
• hide
• lace
• lambaste
• lambast
• lash
• 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
• whap
• whup
• work over

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

Noun

The gentle lather cleanses and detangles while giving you weightless volume. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2024

Not to mention, the genderless earthy fragrance enhances the very luxurious cleansing experience (lots of lather!), which leaves your hair clean with plenty of movement and a gorgeous sheen. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 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

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

Phrases Containing lather

• get in a lather
• in a lather
• work oneself into a lather

Kids Definition

lather

1 of 2 noun

lath·​er ˈlat͟h-ər 

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 

1

: to spread lather over

2

: to form lather or a froth like lather