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.

---

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.

---

lashing ¹ British  

/ ˈlæʃɪŋ /

noun

1. a whipping; flogging

2. a scolding

3. informal large amounts; lots

---

lashing ² British  

/ ˈlæʃɪŋ /

noun

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

---

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

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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 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

The storm heated up, the thunder booming louder, the lightning lashing harder, the air filling with the moist feeling that comes just before it rains.

From "Worth" by A. LaFaye