noun Uncommon

lash

Lash (noun) means a hair growing from the edge of the eyelid; an eyelash. Example: “She curled her lashes before applying mascara.”

noun

A hair growing from the edge of the eyelid; an eyelash.

"She curled her lashes before applying mascara."

A strike delivered with a whip, or the flexible cord of a whip itself.

"The prisoner received twenty lashes as punishment."

verb

To hit hard with a whip or something similarly flexible.

"Rain lashed against the windows all night."

"The critic lashed out at the film in his review."

To tie something down tightly with rope or cord.

"They lashed the tent poles together before the storm hit."

How to use lash

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn eyelash, a whip-strike, or (as a verb) to whip something, lash out angrily, or tie something down firmly.

Common mistake

Don't confuse "lash out" (to react angrily) with simply "lash" (to tie down) — context makes the meaning clear.

Common pairings

lash out eyelash extensions lash the cargo down rain lashed

Word forms

more lash comparative, lashed past tense, lashed past tense, lashes plural, Lashes plural, lashes singular, lashes singular, most lash superlative

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She curled her _____ before applying mascara.

Etymology

From Middle English lasshe, referring to the flexible end of a whip, from a Proto-Germanic word meaning "strap" or "flap of fabric."

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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whip strap slash thong flog welt lather eyelash whiplash cilium trounce

Related words

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Rhymes for lash

ash mash bash rash cash gash dash wash hash sash Tash Nash

See all rhymes for lash →

Frequently asked questions

What does “lash” mean?

The word “lash” means a hair growing from the edge of the eyelid; an eyelash. In plain terms, an eyelash, a whip-strike, or (as a verb) to whip something, lash out angrily, or tie something down firmly.

How do you pronounce “lash”?

“Lash” is pronounced lash (/læʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “lash” in a sentence?

Here is “lash” used in a sentence: “She curled her lashes before applying mascara.”

What part of speech is “lash”?

Depending on how it is used, “lash” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “lash” come from?

The word “lash” comes from Middle English. From Middle English lasshe, referring to the flexible end of a whip, from a Proto-Germanic word meaning "strap" or "flap of fabric.".

Is “lash” a common word?

“Lash” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “lash” have?

“Lash” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hair growing from the edge of the eyelid; an eyelash.

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