frog

noun

ˈfrȯg How to pronounce frog (audio)
ˈfräg
1
: any of various largely aquatic leaping anuran amphibians (such as ranids) that have slender bodies with smooth moist skin and strong long hind legs with webbed feet compare toad
2
: the triangular elastic horny pad in the middle of the sole of the foot of a horse see hoof illustration
3
a
: a loop attached to a belt to hold a weapon or tool
b
: an ornamental braiding for fastening the front of a garment that consists of a button and a loop through which it passes
4
often Frog disparaging + offensive : frenchman
5
: a device permitting the wheels on one rail of a track to cross an intersecting rail
6
: a condition in the throat that produces hoarseness
had a frog in his throat
7
: the nut of a violin bow
8
: a small holder (as of metal, glass, or plastic) with perforations or spikes for holding flowers in place in a bowl or vase

Examples of frog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some Native American tribes refer to the April full moon as the breaking ice moon, the frog moon, the sucker moon and the budding moon of plants and shrubs. Hali Smith march 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 Mar. 2026 In 2018, Medina became a co-author in the description of the Mashpi glass frog, an achievement any young biologist could scarcely hope for. Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 Some called it the breaking ice moon, the moon when the ducks come back, the frog moon, or the budding moon, reflecting melting ice, returning animals and growing plants. ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026 This time of year is also a key period for feeding and mating, meaning snakes are actively searching for food like rodents and frogs, as well as potential mates. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026 At the Morristown Municipal Building in New Jersey, an oversized inflatable frog danced at the head of the crowd. Susan Page, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026 Some eat worms, some smaller fish, some frogs, some mice, some insects. Mike Kurlansky, Outside, 29 Mar. 2026 Lately, our team has been playing with kenzens (flower frogs) to create sculptural floral moments in vessels that may not typically be able to be used for flowers. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2026 Officials are urging caution to ensure that the frogs, which are declining in numbers, can safely cross the road. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frogge, from Old English frogga; akin to Old High German frosk frog; senses 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 unclearly derived & perhaps of distinct origin

First Known Use

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frog. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

frog

noun
ˈfrȯg How to pronounce frog (audio)
ˈfräg
1
a
: any of various tailless leaping amphibians that have slender bodies with smooth moist skin and strong long hind legs with webbed feet and that spend more of their time in the water than the related toads
b
: a hoarse condition
have a frog in one's throat
2
: an ornamental fastening for a garment (as a jacket)

Medical Definition

frog

noun
1
: any of various smooth-skinned web-footed largely aquatic tailless agile leaping amphibians (as of the suborder Diplasiocoela)
2
: the triangular elastic horny pad in the middle of the sole of the foot of a horse
3
: a condition in the throat that produces hoarseness
had a frog in his throat

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