lather

1 of 2

noun

lath·​er ˈla-t͟hər How to pronounce lather (audio)
Synonyms of lathernext
1
a
: a foam or froth formed when a detergent (such as soap) is agitated in water
b
: foam or froth from profuse sweating (as on a horse)
2
: an agitated or overwrought state : dither
worked himself into a lather
lathery
ˈla-t͟h(ə-)rē How to pronounce lather (audio)
adjective

lather

2 of 2

verb

lathered; lathering ˈla-t͟h(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce lather (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to spread lather over
2
: to beat severely : flog

intransitive verb

: to form a lather or a froth like lather
latherer
ˈla-t͟hər-ər How to pronounce lather (audio)
noun

Synonyms

Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of lather in a Sentence

Noun The soap and water formed a lot of lather. The soap and water formed a lather. Verb He lathered his face before shaving. the farmer lathered the recalcitrant mule
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.
Noun
The creamy texture creates a luxe lather, and the warm, fruity-floral scent lingers just enough to feel indulgent. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 July 2025 No conditioner needed, no lather, just a one-and-done approach to haircare that’s anything but basic. — Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Verb
Order a plate of the Huevos Gringos, and then take the fluffy flour tortillas and lather them with runny eggs, sumptuous carne guisada and fries, then ladle a scoop of queso on top to finish. — Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Just take a squirt of shampoo, lather it up, and use it to scrub away tricky messes. — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lather

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English *lather, from Old English lēathor; akin to Latin lavere to wash — more at lye

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

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

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

Phrases Containing lather

Rhymes for lather

See All Rhymes for lather

Browse Nearby Words

latheman
lather
latherwort
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lather. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

lather

1 of 2 noun
lath·​er ˈlat͟h-ər How to pronounce lather (audio)
1
a
: foam formed when a detergent (as soap) is stirred or shaken in water
b
: foam from sweating (as on a horse)
2
: a highly nervous or excited state : dither
worked himself into a lather

lather

2 of 2 verb
lathered; lathering ˈlat͟h-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce lather (audio)
1
: to spread lather over
2
: to form lather or a froth like lather

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