fog

1 of 2

noun

ˈfȯg How to pronounce fog (audio)
fäg
1
a
: vapor condensed to fine particles of water suspended in the lower atmosphere that differs from cloud only in being near the ground
b
: a fine spray or a foam for firefighting
2
: a murky condition of the atmosphere or a substance causing it
3
a
: a state of confusion or bewilderment
spent the morning in a fog
b
: something that confuses or obscures
hid behind a fog of rhetoric
4
: cloudiness or partial opacity in a developed photographic image caused by chemical action or stray radiation
fogless
ˈfȯg-ləs How to pronounce fog (audio)
ˈfäg-
adjective

fog

2 of 2

verb

fogged; fogging

transitive verb

1
: to cover, envelop, or suffuse with or as if with fog
fog the barns with pesticide
2
: to make obscure or confusing
accusations which fogged the real issues
3
: to make confused
4
: to produce fog on (something, such as a photographic film) during development

intransitive verb

1
: to become covered or thick with fog
2
a
: to become blurred by a covering of fog or mist
b
: to become indistinct through exposure to light or radiation

Examples of fog in a Sentence

Noun Heavy fog made it difficult to see the road. a climate marked by heavy fogs The fog reduced visibility to a quarter of a mile. This problem has me in a fog. Verb The steam from the pot was fogging the window near the stove. The bathroom was all fogged up after my shower. politicians who try to fog the issue instead of taking a stand
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The intention is to immerse our audience in the confusion, the cacophony, the fog of war. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 When another biopsy shipment was diverted from Heathrow Airport to another airport in Manchester, England, because of fog, the sample seemed doomed, Dr. Hill said. Delthia Ricks, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Lows are mainly in the upper 40s to low 50s, and some patchy fog may form late. Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024 During the musical's penultimate song, as Caden Marshall poured his heart out on stage, an overly productive fog machine set off the Broadway Theatre Center's fire alarm, sending everyone outside for some minutes until the all-clear was given. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2024 Your sword of certainty can cut through the fog of doubt. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2024 There will be some patchy fog on Saturday from 7 to 8 a.m., followed by mostly sunny skies, the agency said in its seven-day forecast. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 23 Feb. 2024 With notes of dark chocolate and dates, the Flatiron blend is perfect for those crisp mornings when chilly fog still clings to the treetops. Jaina Grey, WIRED, 17 Feb. 2024 In the early morning hours of May 1, 1940, as a thick fog blanketing Lake Superior transformed into a ferocious storm, the crew of the S.S. Arlington started to worry. Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024
Verb
But Kerry Abbott noticed condensation fogging the windows — a sign someone might be inside. Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2024 Advertisement Newsom, whose responsibilities go beyond that of lieutenant governor — which are, essentially, fogging a mirror and sitting on various boards and commissions — took a more reasoned and responsible approach. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2023 The turmoil from the attack fogged Meg’s ability to speed past the drama, as social media often poked fun at her and, in some cases, took Lanez’s side in the public drama. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 7 Feb. 2024 Our camera instantly fogged up and the concrete walls and arches beaded sweat. Matt Gutman, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2024 Beyond that, this helmet is also quite lightweight, warm, and ventilated to keep little ones’ heads from sweating and goggles from fogging up. Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2023 But the drug fogged her thinking, keeping her from driving. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 15 Dec. 2023 Inside Dorian restaurant the windows are fogging up with quiet conversations, candles blink, and a gleaming, rarefied Holland Park evening is coming to life. Danielle Pergament, Allure, 14 Dec. 2023 For an enjoyable day on the slopes, choose a pair of goggles that will protect your eyes and won’t fog up. Douglas Schnitzspahn, Travel + Leisure, 13 Dec. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably back-formation from foggy

First Known Use

Noun

1544, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1592, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fog was in 1544

Dictionary Entries Near fog

Cite this Entry

“Fog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fog. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fog

1 of 2 noun
ˈfȯg How to pronounce fog (audio)
ˈfäg
1
a
: fine particles of water floating in the atmosphere near the ground
b
: a fine spray or a foam for firefighting
2
: a gloomy condition of the atmosphere or a substance causing it
3
: a state of mental confusion
spent the morning in a fog

fog

2 of 2 verb
fogged; fogging
1
: to cover or become covered with or as if with fog
2
: to make confused

Medical Definition

fog

transitive verb
fogged; fogging
: to blur (a visual field) with lenses that prevent a sharp focus in order to relax accommodation before testing vision

More from Merriam-Webster on fog

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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