1
: any of various largely aquatic leaping anuran amphibians (such as ranids) that have slender bodies with smooth moist skin and strong long hind legs with webbed feet compare toad
2
: the triangular elastic horny pad in the middle of the sole of the foot of a horse see hoof illustration
3
a
: a loop attached to a belt to hold a weapon or tool
b
: an ornamental braiding for fastening the front of a garment that consists of a button and a loop through which it passes
4
often Frog disparaging + offensive : frenchman
5
: a device permitting the wheels on one rail of a track to cross an intersecting rail
6
: a condition in the throat that produces hoarseness
had a frog in his throat
7
: the nut of a violin bow
8
: a small holder (as of metal, glass, or plastic) with perforations or spikes for holding flowers in place in a bowl or vase

Examples of frog in a Sentence

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.
Northern red-legged frogs are a medium sized frog that are considered a species of concern. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026 Stapley adds, invoking the fable of the scorpion and the frog. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Her classroom included snakes, frogs, turtles, tortoises, fish and other animals. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 Take Picbreeder, in which two sleek, glowing forms—one resembling a car, the other a frog—appear onscreen. Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frog

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frogge, from Old English frogga; akin to Old High German frosk frog; senses 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 unclearly derived & perhaps of distinct origin

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frog was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frog. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
a
: any of various tailless leaping amphibians that have slender bodies with smooth moist skin and strong long hind legs with webbed feet and that spend more of their time in the water than the related toads
b
: a hoarse condition
have a frog in one's throat
2
: an ornamental fastening for a garment (as a jacket)

Medical Definition

1
: any of various smooth-skinned web-footed largely aquatic tailless agile leaping amphibians (as of the suborder Diplasiocoela)
2
: the triangular elastic horny pad in the middle of the sole of the foot of a horse
3
: a condition in the throat that produces hoarseness
had a frog in his throat

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