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.
Riparian habitats, like creeks flowing through canyons, are home to sensitive creatures including California newts, frogs and toads. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 In 1958 British biologist John Gurdon showed that the nucleus from a cell in a tadpole could be transplanted into an egg cell to create an entirely new frog. Venki Ramakrishnan, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026 Other vipers are known to flick their tails, especially baby vipers with bright green or neon yellow tail tips that might appear like a wiggly worm to unsuspecting frogs. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026 There are snakes and frogs, turtles and fish, even a chameleon. Bo Evans, CBS News, 10 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

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