suds

American  

[suhdz] / sʌdz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. soapy water.

2. foam; lather.

3. Slang. beer.

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verb (used with object)

1. to wash with soap or detergent (often followed byout ).

   to suds out a pair of socks.

suds British  

/ sʌdz /

plural noun

1. the bubbles on the surface of water in which soap, detergents, etc, have been dissolved; lather

2. soapy water

3. slang beer or the bubbles floating on it

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Other Word Forms

• nonsudsing adjective
• sudsable adjective
• sudsy adjective

Etymology

Origin of suds

1540–50; 1900–05 suds for def. 3; perhaps < Middle Dutch sudse puddle, marsh; akin to sodden

Example Sentences

Foams appear in everyday life as soap suds, shaving cream, whipped toppings and food emulsions like mayonnaise.

From Science Daily • Jan. 15, 2026

“There are so many ways to make the suds stretch further.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

Sun and suds: Head to the backyard for a bath.

From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2023

Nearby, women are doing the weekly washing in huge tubs - the suds spilling over the sides.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2023

He looked and I flung the suds, but he ducked and the white foam spattered on to the floor.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright