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

For a whole-hog barbecue challenge, Sam Jones of Sam Jones Barbecue in Raleigh, Lewis Donald of Sweet Lew’s BBQ in Charlotte and the Monk family of Lexington Barbecue in Lexington add expertise to the crew of pitmasters assisting the competitors. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026

The day before, Twitty will also appear at Audrey restaurant in East Nashville as part of a feast featuring whole-hog barbecue (with a book signing to boot). — Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Oct. 2025

Noun

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

The main categories include ribs, shoulder and whole hog, as well as Patio and Open Fire. — Jacob Wilt, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 8 May 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