lather

1 of 2

noun

lath·​er ˈla-t͟hər How to pronounce lather (audio)
1
a
: a foam or froth formed when a detergent (such as soap) is agitated in water
b
: foam or froth from profuse sweating (as on a horse)
2
: an agitated or overwrought state : dither
worked himself into a lather
lathery adjective

lather

2 of 2

verb

lathered; lathering ˈla-t͟h(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce lather (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to spread lather over
2
: to beat severely : flog

intransitive verb

: to form a lather or a froth like lather
latherer noun

Examples of lather in a Sentence

Noun The soap and water formed a lot of lather. The soap and water formed a lather. Verb He lathered his face before shaving. the farmer lathered the recalcitrant mule
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The cleanser created a beautiful lather with each use, and left my skin feeling clean but not dried out, like some cleansers. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 This shampoo lathers really well, says Pettis, so start with a small amount. Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024 In a little over three minutes the Bearcats led 15-6, putting the fans in an early lather. Scott Springer, The Enquirer, 28 Jan. 2024 Once water is applied, the hydrating shampoo is next and this stuff lathers. Jessica Cruel, Allure, 20 Feb. 2024 This shampoo bar lathers and works just as well without the extra packaging and space taken in the shower. Taylor Gumm, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2024 The creamy formula lathers, spreads, and rinses out like a dream. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 14 Jan. 2024 The purple shampoo has an excellent lather, which helps make the application process even easier. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2024 The lightweight formula goes on almost like a curl cream, spreading easily along the scalp and strands without working into a lather. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 14 Jan. 2024
Verb
The pair later took a vacation and joked about the other couple by the side of the pool lathering each other up with sun block. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 Just make sure to lather the bar in your hands before putting it directly onto your hair to prevent buildup. Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 19 Jan. 2024 The couple’s kids, Delano, 9, and Sybil, 7, also joined for Myles’ milestone, as the Irish doodle puppy got lathered up. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 26 Jan. 2024 Coach Steve Kerr is playing whack-a-mole with his lineups, trying to fill the gaping defensive void left by Green’s indefinite suspension while lathering up the right dynamic on offense. Shayna Rubin, The Mercury News, 5 Jan. 2024 After lathering, sit with the beer-egg mixture soaking your hair for five minutes and then rinse thoroughly—voila! Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The best way to use body wash is to lather it up in your slightly wet hands. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2024 The Number 4 Bonding Maintenance Shampoo lathered easily throughout my thick, wet hair strands. Essence, 11 Jan. 2024 The brand recommends lathering the shampoo, massaging it into the scalp, and leaving it for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lather.' 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

Middle English *lather, from Old English lēathor; akin to Latin lavere to wash — more at lye

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near lather

Cite this Entry

“Lather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lather. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lather

1 of 2 noun
lath·​er ˈlat͟h-ər How to pronounce lather (audio)
1
a
: foam formed when a detergent (as soap) is stirred or shaken in water
b
: foam from sweating (as on a horse)
2
: a highly nervous or excited state : dither
worked himself into a lather

lather

2 of 2 verb
lathered; lathering ˈlat͟h-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce lather (audio)
1
: to spread lather over
2
: to form lather or a froth like lather

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