noun
lather
LAH-thuh
Lather (noun) means the foam created by mixing soap or shampoo with water. Example: “Rub the shampoo into a rich lather.”
noun
1
The foam created by mixing soap or shampoo with water.
"Rub the shampoo into a rich lather."
2
(informal) A state of agitation or panic.
"He worked himself into a lather over the missed deadline."
verb
1
To cover with foam, especially soap suds.
"She lathered her hair and rinsed it twice."
How to use lather
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSoapy foam, or (informally) a state of being worked up or flustered.
Common pairings
lather up
work into a lather
a rich lather
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Word forms
- Plural
- lathers
- Third person singular
- lathers
- Past tense
- lathered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Rub the shampoo into a rich _____.
Etymology
From Old English lēaþor, a word for a soap-like substance used in washing.
Related words
Rhymes for lather
father
rather
gather
Mather
leather
weather
feather
heather
breather
godfather
stepfather
Mayweather
See all rhymes for lather →
Frequently asked questions
What does “lather” mean?
The word “lather” means the foam created by mixing soap or shampoo with water. In plain terms, soapy foam, or (informally) a state of being worked up or flustered.
How do you pronounce “lather”?
“Lather” is pronounced LAH-thuh (/ˈlæð.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lather” in a sentence?
Here is “lather” used in a sentence: “Rub the shampoo into a rich lather.”
What part of speech is “lather”?
Depending on how it is used, “lather” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lather” come from?
The word “lather” comes from Old English. From Old English lēaþor, a word for a soap-like substance used in washing.
How many meanings does “lather” have?
“Lather” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the foam created by mixing soap or shampoo with water.
