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.
The frog has a special serum in its back. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 Apr. 2026 As omnivores, North American river otters eat fish, turtles, crabs, mollusks, birds, oysters, shellfish, crayfish, frogs, rodents and insects. Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026 North American river otters are omnivores, feeding on fish, turtles, crabs, mollusks, birds, oysters, shellfish, crayfish, frogs, rodents and insects. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026 According to the World Rock Paper Scissors Association, the game of rock, paper, scissors dates to ancient China in the year 206 BCE, when the symbols were a frog, a snake and a centipede (frog beats centipede, centipede beats snake, and snake beats frog). Brian Cheung, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026 Some frogs have developed darker skin, and birds in higher-radiation areas are more likely to develop cataracts. Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026 The frog will tell you the health of the marsh and the birds will tell you the health of the planet. Bill Whitaker, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026 The first is a green-speckled frog holding a leaf umbrella above its head. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026 One scene found the toys dealing with being shunted aside by their owner Bonnie (Scarlett Spears), in favor of Lilypad (Greta Lee), a tablet designed in the face of a frog that allows its owner to build chat groups and play interactive games with friends for hours and hours. Brent Lang, Variety, 16 Apr. 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 26 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

More from Merriam-Webster on frog

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster