whole-hog

1 of 3

adjective

ˈhōl-ˈhȯg 

: committed without reservation : thoroughgoing

a whole-hog patriot

whole hog

2 of 3

noun

: the whole way or farthest limit

—usually used adverbially in the phrase go the whole hog

whole hog

3 of 3

adverb

: to the fullest extent : without reservation : completely

… accepting whole hog the standards … of the majority.

—R. B. Kaplan

Examples of whole-hog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The whole-hog barbecue that legendary pitmaster Rodney Scott serves is smoky, tender, and downright tasty. — Latria Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 May 2023

People travel from all over to taste Skylight’s famous whole-hog barbecue and its famously simple cornbread. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025

Noun

Even whole hog barbecue makes a cameo here and there in Texas. — Adrian Miller, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

Kentucky, however, was the first to go whole hog. — Justin Williams, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1829, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1825, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for whole-hog

• analog
• analogue
• catalogue
• decalogue
• demagogue
• dialogue
• epilogue
• homologue
• monologue
• pedagogue
• synagogue
• tagalog

Kids Definition

whole hog

1 of 2 noun

: the whole way or farthest limit : all

go the whole hog and invite all your friends

whole hog

2 of 2 adverb

: to the fullest extent : completely

accepted whole hog their explanation of events