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

This taught me an important, if subjective, rule: A market has probably become a bubble once the fans of an asset start lashing out at skeptics.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Crews have carried out emergency lashing operations at the Port of Long Beach to secure damaged containers, using straps, chains and turnbuckles to prevent further shifting, Nieves said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

England midfielder Bellingham stood open mouthed when Valverde scored his brilliant third, lifting the ball over City defender Marc Guehi before lashing a volley past keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Rather than lashing out, Obama addressed the controversy in his trademark measured tone, framing the episode as part of a broader moral decline in American public life.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

He imagines the vines carved into the lid coming to life like wooden snakes, lashing at him the moment he tries to lift it.

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone