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.
Other vipers are known to flick their tails, especially baby vipers with bright green or neon yellow tail tips that might appear like a wiggly worm to unsuspecting frogs. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026 There are snakes and frogs, turtles and fish, even a chameleon. Bo Evans, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 In 1963, Leiber started her own handbag company in New York City, crafting bags with Swarovski crystals that resembled everything from a rotary phone to a frog. Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026 The goliath birdeater is an ambush predator and mostly feeds on earthworms, insects, frogs, and toads. Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frog

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 16 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

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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