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

This time President Trump lashed out at a target close to home. — Julie Zauzmer, Washington Post, "‘Have we no decency?’ National Cathedral criticizes Trump’s latest racist attack.," 31 July 2019 Then this weekend, Trump lashed out at Rep. Elijah Cummings, the Democratic stalwart who represents large portions of the city. — Ian Duncan, baltimoresun.com, "Before tweets, Baltimore’s relationship with Trump administration included appeals for help, moments of defiance," 30 July 2019 The right may lash out at them in rhetoric, or policy, or violence, but nothing will create for conservatives a country of people mostly like themselves. — Osita Nwanevu, The New Yorker, "Conservative Nationalism Is Trumpism for Intellectuals," 21 July 2019 But on the eve of his sixth visit to the state since taking office, Trump lashed out at one of Wisconsin's favorite sons, former House Speaker Paul Ryan over his unflattering comments about the president in a new book. — Jonathan Lemire And Todd Richmond, chicagotribune.com, "President Trump to tout trade, economy in formerly blue Wisconsin," 12 July 2019 Donald Trump lashed out on Sunday at the first Republican congressman to call the U.S. president’s behavior impeachable. — Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, "Another Michigan Democrat calls for Trump impeachment inquiry," 14 June 2019 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

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

For proof, look to Dakota Johnson, who last night leveraged her own lash-skimming bangs for a buoyant updo that skewed just the right amount of retro. — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "Dakota Johnson Puts a ’70s Spin on the Power Ponytail," 2 Aug. 2019 Who knows, maybe there will be some newfangled primer that actually works for our finicky skin types or an innovative mascara that truly checks off every box on our lash criteria. — Allure, "All the Best New Makeup Launching in August," 1 Aug. 2019 The Lash Trap has locations in Los Angeles and New York, and the lash industry is booming. — Shalwah Evans, Essence, "Julian Dean Uses Eyelashes To Promote The Spirit Of Entrepreneurship In Women Of Color," 26 July 2019 After the first phrase, half a dozen other male voices joined in; the camera panned across their faces, dark lashes edging their closed eyes. — National Geographic, "In Corsica, on a quest for beautiful harmony," 24 July 2019 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

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.