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
Adjective
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
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 The selection is anchored by Pee Dee-style whole hog barbecue, which is pulled into long strands and dressed with a spicy vinegar-pepper sauce. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2023 The heart of the operation, though, is slow-cooking whole hogs over hickory coals on big cinderblock pits. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2023 Ribs are now indeed an option on his menus alongside the must-try whole hog. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2023 Amsterdam Company, 807 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008 Visit the website Khói Barbecue The bite: whole hog bánh cuốn Find it: Khói wins points for creativity for its Carolina-style pork on Vietnamese rice rolls. Emma Balter, Chron, 4 Apr. 2023 Boston University’s Questrom School of Business has gone the whole hog and now offers its full MBA online for just $24,000. The Economist, 2 Nov. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'whole-hog.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!