lashing

¹ American  

[lash-ing] / ˈlæʃ ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that lashes.

2. a whipping with or as if with a lash.

3. a severe scolding; tongue-lashing.

4. Chiefly British Informal. Usually lashings a large amount; an abundance (usually followed byof ).

   strawberries with lashings of cream;

   scallops with a lashing of olive oil.

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lashing ² American  

[lash-ing] / ˈlæʃ ɪŋ /

noun

1. a binding or fastening with a rope or the like.

2. the rope or the like used.

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lashing ¹ British  

/ ˈlæʃɪŋ /

noun

1. a whipping; flogging

2. a scolding

3. informal large amounts; lots

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lashing ² British  

/ ˈlæʃɪŋ /

noun

1. rope, cord, etc, used for binding or securing

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Etymology

Origin of lashing¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, and in 1820–30 lashing ¹ for def. 4; from Middle English lasshyng, lashynge; lash ¹, -ing ¹; lashing ¹ def. 4 developed from the sense “to spend money lavishly or foolishly”

Origin of lashing²

First recorded in 1660–70; lash ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“They’re just lashing out,” said Rozenshtein of the University of Minnesota Law School.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

He recalled "the humming of the tanker" against the lashing wind and rain and then the "heart-breaking" sight of "thick, treacle-like oil" on the sea.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Bruno Fernandes picked out Dorgu and he took a touch before lashing into the top corner from 20 yards.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

After initially lashing out at the strike against Maduro, Rodríguez struck a conciliatory tone Sunday when she invited the U.S. government “to work together on a cooperative agenda.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

The adult mind can lie with untroubled conscience and a gay composure, but in those days even a small deception scoured the tongue, lashing one against the stake itself.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier