verb
flog
flog
Flog (verb) means to whip or beat someone as a punishment. Example: “Sailors could once be flogged for minor offences.”
verb
1
To whip or beat someone as a punishment.
"Sailors could once be flogged for minor offences."
2
To sell something, especially informally or cheaply.
"He's trying to flog his old bike online."
3
To use or promote something relentlessly.
"Stop flogging that same old joke, it's not funny anymore."
How to use flog
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo whip someone, or (informally, mainly British) to sell something.
When to use it
"To sell" is informal British usage — not common in American English.
Common pairings
flog a dead horse
flog something on eBay
flogged mercilessly
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Word forms
- Plural
- flogs
- Third person singular
- flogs
- Past tense
- flogged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He's trying to _____ his old bike online.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, recorded in English since the 1600s; possibly linked to an old word meaning "to beat."
Class of 1600
flog joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Related words
Rhymes for flog
See all rhymes for flog →Frequently asked questions
What does “flog” mean?
The word “flog” means to whip or beat someone as a punishment. In plain terms, to whip someone, or (informally, mainly British) to sell something.
How do you pronounce “flog”?
“Flog” is pronounced flog (/flɑɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flog” in a sentence?
Here is “flog” used in a sentence: “Sailors could once be flogged for minor offences.”
What part of speech is “flog”?
“Flog” is a verb.
Where does the word “flog” come from?
The word “flog” dates back to around 1600. Origin uncertain, recorded in English since the 1600s; possibly linked to an old word meaning "to beat.".
How many meanings does “flog” have?
“Flog” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to whip or beat someone as a punishment.
