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; see origin at 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

Lashing back at foreign criticism of the poll last week, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told reporters: "It is not being held for the international community."

From Barron's • Dec. 23, 2025

Lashing out like this now is simply being a sore loser.

From Salon • Aug. 13, 2025

Lashing back, the Regent’s lickspittle ministers pressed libel charges and Hunt ended up serving two years in prison.

From Washington Post • May 29, 2019

Lashing winds and rains have left more than a million people without power and tens of thousands without water.

From The Guardian • Sep. 10, 2017

Lashing my right hand is much harder, so hard it brings tears to my eyes, but I finally manage to pull the knot tight with my teeth.

From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick