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

He recalled "the humming of the tanker" against the lashing wind and rain and then the "heart-breaking" sight of "thick, treacle-like oil" on the sea.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Someone had sent me this thing that said that I “lashed out” or used a word that was quite a violent one, like I was lashing back at James Cameron.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

After initially lashing out at the strike against Maduro, Rodríguez struck a conciliatory tone Sunday when she invited the U.S. government “to work together on a cooperative agenda.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

On her personal account, she melted down, complaining about having to put down her knitting to deal with critics and lashing out at the very base she is supposed to serve.

From Salon • Dec. 29, 2025

After practice, Luma had concerns: Kanue’s outburst had been troubling, and she wasn’t happy that Mandela was lashing out at his new teammates when they made mistakes.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John