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
Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
The business specializes in leather, leather working tools, buckles, lather dyes, tack hardware, adornments for belts and do-it-yourself kits.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2025
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
Formulated for normal to dry skin, this gentle daily facial cleanser transforms from a silky oil to a soft, lathering foam that deeply cleanses your skin, effectively removing dirt, excess oil and stubborn makeup without clogging pores, leaving residue or a greasy feeling.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lather
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Noun
Boiled down in a cauldron using traditional methods, the sulfate-free formula bubbles up into a lovely lather that washes hands without stripping them (the glycerin, as well as coconut, olive, and sweet almond oils, are to thank) and fills the room with its sophisticated, Provençal scents.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
The business specializes in leather, leather working tools, buckles, lather dyes, tack hardware, adornments for belts and do-it-yourself kits.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
Surtain, the reigning defensive player of the year, does not lather such compliments upon wideouts willy-nilly.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
Formulated for normal to dry skin, this gentle daily facial cleanser transforms from a silky oil to a soft, lathering foam that deeply cleanses your skin, effectively removing dirt, excess oil and stubborn makeup without clogging pores, leaving residue or a greasy feeling.
—Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 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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