verb

flog

Flog (verb) means to whip or beat someone as a punishment. Example: “Sailors could once be flogged for minor offences.”

verb

To whip or beat someone as a punishment.

"Sailors could once be flogged for minor offences."

To sell something, especially informally or cheaply.

"He's trying to flog his old bike online."

To use or promote something relentlessly.

"Stop flogging that same old joke, it's not funny anymore."

How to use flog

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

flogged past tense, flogs plural, flogs plural, flogs singular

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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."

· First attested 1600

Class of 1600 flog joined the language around 1600.

abigail accommodation Amish Baroque beau

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Synonyms

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whip cane strap slash lash welt lather trounce lambast lambaste

Related words

hit cut ship throw excellent roll stick drunk

Rhymes for flog

log blog clog slog vlog

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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.

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