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
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
Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 24 June 2025
In the past, there have been third-party experts to do patterns, then modifications, then testing, lather, rinse, repeat.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Simply lather a wet toothbrush or cloth with clear soap, and gently scrub in a circular motion to remove the stain.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lather
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Noun
Pros: Fresh scent; lathers well; balances hair and scalp
Cons: Can leave residue in hair if not thoroughly rinsed
Key ingredients: Violet rice water, hyaluronic acid
Aptly named, this bargain buy will help boost your hair’s strength and deeply hydrate in one fell swoop.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 24 June 2025
In the past, there have been third-party experts to do patterns, then modifications, then testing, lather, rinse, repeat.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
Verb
Defenders lather on pressure at the perimeter and goad guards into mistakes.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Simply lather a wet toothbrush or cloth with clear soap, and gently scrub in a circular motion to remove the stain.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lather
Cite this Entry
“Lather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lather. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lather
2 of 2 verb
lathered; lathering
ˈlat͟h-(ə-)riŋ 
1
: to spread lather over
2
: to form lather or a froth like lather
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