lash

verb (1)

\ ˈlash

lashed; lashing; lashes

Definition of lash

(Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to move violently or suddenly : dash

2 : to thrash or beat violently rain lashed at the windowpanes

3 : to make a verbal attack or retort —usually used with out

transitive verb

1a : to whip or fling about violently the big cat lashed its tail about threateningly

b : to strike or beat with or as if with a whip waves lashed the shore

2a : to assail with stinging words

b : drive, whip lashed them into a fury with his fiery speech

lash

noun

Definition of lash (Entry 2 of 3)

1a(1) : a stroke with or as if with a whip

(2) : the flexible part of a whip also : whip

b : punishment by whipping

2 : a beating, whipping, or driving force

3 : a stinging rebuke

4 : eyelash

5 : the clearance or play between adjacent movable mechanical parts

lash

verb (2)

lashed; lashing; lashes

Definition of lash (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

: to bind with or as if with a line

Other Words from lash Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about lash

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Examples of lash in a Sentence

Noun

They gave the sailor 50 lashes for disobeying orders. The disobedient sailors were threatened with the lash.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

In each case, Trump was lashing out at those who have criticized him, most notably and pointedly the British envoy to the United States, Kim Darroch, whose private diplomatic cables were leaked to the London tabloid the Mail on Sunday. — Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, "“Congratulations Again, Mr. President”: Trump and the Co-opting of the G.O.P.," 12 July 2019 Earlier Thursday, Trump sent a stream of Twitter messages lashing out at social media companies and the press, familiar targets that resonate with his conservative base. — Marcy Gordon, chicagotribune.com, "Trump complains of social media bias, then praises far-right conservatives for using the platforms well," 11 July 2019 There are online trolls who are lashing out at the idea of a black woman playing the role of Ariel. — Jasmine Gomez, Seventeen, "People Are Clapping Back At Trolls Who Are Mad That Halle Bailey Will Star in Disney’s "The Little Mermaid"," 8 July 2019 So instead of lashing out at the outspoken soccer star, Trump had accidentally targeted a young woman who lives in Virginia, works at Starbucks, loves K-pop and just happens to agree with Rapinoe’s stance on a potential USWNT White House visit. — Chuck Schilken, latimes.com, "Trump thought he was tagging Megan Rapinoe; instead he got a 21-year-old K-pop fan," 27 June 2019 Trump, who lashes out at the news media daily, is extra sensitive to Time magazine because he's long prided himself on being featured on its cover - this interview will mark his 29th cover story. — Colby Itkowitz, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump threatens reporter with prison time during interview," 22 June 2019 The harsh economic sanctions are squeezing Tehran, which has started to respond by lashing out. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "US-Iran standoff: a timeline," 21 June 2019 The Twitter inquiry turned up a handful of grievances from men and women about Mr. Kroll’s habit of lashing out at employees and his moodiness, the former executive said. — Yoree Koh, WSJ, "The Tech Whiz Behind Vine and HQ Trivia Made Millions in His 20s. He Was Dead by 34.," 15 Feb. 2019 When a violent storm lashes the tiny Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, Copper Randal barely manages a safe return to Government House. — Sangeeta Singh-kurtz, Quartzy, "Picking a “destination novel” is the secret to great summer reading," 4 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

There will be no lack of lashes and no disco deficit. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Drag queens are the stars of a new San Diego History Center exhibit," 21 June 2019 Finish the eye with a thick layer of Urban Decay Perversion Mascara on the top and bottom lashes. — Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "Nathalie Emmanuel and Maisie Williams Both Wore the Urban Decay Game of Thrones Collab," 4 Apr. 2019 The variations seem endless: Mustaches or lashes? Baseballs or bows? — Kim Severson, New York Times, "It’s a Girl! It’s a Boy! And for the Gender-Reveal Cake, It May Be the End," 17 June 2019 Coupled with her signature makeup palette (think nudes and sky-reaching lashes) West's entire presence demanded attention—a winning approach, as the issues of the day were critical to society. — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "Kim Kardashian West Puts a Directional Twist on Political Hair," 14 June 2019 Birds chirp, two assistants chase after a small dog named Biggie, a makeup artist fusses over primer and lash glue. — Mattie Kahn, Glamour, "Bethenny Frankel Doesn't Need to Be Thanked. But She Wouldn't Mind a Little Gratitude From President Trump.," 14 Sep. 2018 Step 1: Get that smolder Using a small eyeshadow brush, swipe a peachy color all over your eyelids, up through the crease, along the lower lash line. — Jennifer Tzeses, Seventeen, "3 Beauty Looks That Aren't Too Extra for Class," 25 July 2018 Experts like to curl lashes before makeup, as part of skin-care prep. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "13 Mistakes You’re Making When Using an Eyelash Curler," 30 Jan. 2019 Step two: Curl your lashes and apply mascara as usual. — Seventeen.com Editors, Seventeen, "50 Life-Changing Prom Beauty Tips You Haven't Heard Before," 19 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lash.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.