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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

You put chocolate powder in milk, and it froths.

From Los Angeles Times

Whisk the yolks and lemon juice in the bowl until they've slightly changed color, to something a bit paler, and there's some clear froth.

From Salon

As our modern times continue to become ever so unprecedented, you can find me frothing at the mouth for a star-studded period piece with low stakes and high fashion.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• foam 
• scum