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

Typhoon Noul made landfall in southern China on Sunday morning, lashing the region with strong winds and heavy rain and forcing Hong Kong airport to cancel around 360 passenger flights.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

He is increasingly lashing out for fear that voters will ditch him.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 14, 2026

He has mentioned several times that he wants to be able to give the speech he had originally meant to give, in which he had hinted at lashing out at the media.

From Barron's ● Jun. 2, 2026

San José Mayor Matt Mahan started off the debate by lashing out at both Republicans and Democrats.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 2026

Nausikaa took the reins and raised her whip, lashing the mules.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer