froth

[frawth, froth]

noun

1. an aggregation of bubbles, as on an agitated liquid or at the mouth of a hard-driven horse; foam; spume.

2. a foam of saliva or fluid resulting from disease.

3. something unsubstantial, trivial, or evanescent.

   The play was a charming bit of froth.

   Synonyms: nonsense, fluff, frivolity, triviality

verb (used with object)

1. to cover with froth.

   giant waves frothing the sand.

2. to cause to foam.

   to froth egg whites with a whisk.

3. to emit like froth.

   a demagogue frothing his hate.

verb (used without object)

1. to give out froth; foam.

   frothing at the mouth.

froth

/ frɒθ /

noun

1. a mass of small bubbles of air or a gas in a liquid, produced by fermentation, detergent, etc

2. a mixture of saliva and air bubbles formed at the lips in certain diseases, such as rabies

3. trivial ideas, talk, or entertainment

verb

1. to produce or cause to produce froth

2. (tr) to give out in the form of froth

3. (tr) to cover with froth

Other Word Forms

• frother noun
• outfroth verb (used with object)
• unfrothed adjective
• unfrothing adjective
• frothiness noun
• frothily adverb
• frothy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of froth¹

1350–1400; Middle English frothe < Old Norse frotha froth, scum

Word History and Origins

Origin of froth¹

C14: from Old Norse frotha or frauth ; related to Old English āfrēothan to foam, Sanskrit prothati he snorts

Example Sentences

That has left some investors worried that the rally is kicking up the kind of froth that often portends a downturn.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Even when he’s been fiery, nearly frothing at the mouth, Day-Lewis has always been a master of stillness, relying on his tall, taut frame to hint at the formidable power or menace underneath.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Because I know from experience that some of you are frothing, foaming and itching to reach out and tell me that illegal means illegal.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Vodka, milk and raw crow eggs — a chalky, frothing elixir high in what they proudly dubbed crowtein.

Read more on Salon

You put chocolate powder in milk, and it froths.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• foam 
• scum