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

See Examples For:

lashing

The updated production by director Emma Griffin leaned into the story’s “Succession” undercurrents, with the not-quite-toothless old lion lashing out at those he sees as eager to supplant him.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

Pounding surf lashing the swanky California enclave of Malibu on Tuesday opened up a giant sinkhole on the driveway of a house reportedly belonging to US actor Nicolas Cage.

From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026

So it’s unsurprising that race is a sore spot for JD Vance, and that he’s lashing out about El-Sayed’s pointed comments.

From Salon ● Sep. 4, 2026

Yes, it was down to a moment of individual brilliance by Vinicius Jr after he cut back inside on to his right foot before lashing a brilliant strike into the roof of the net.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

When he came a little closer they saw that it was Lee, his elbows waving like wings, his queue lashing about like a snake.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck