froth

[ frawth, froth ]

noun

1. an aggregation of bubbles, as on an agitated liquid or at the mouth of a hard-driven horse; foam; spume.
2. a foam of saliva or fluid resulting from disease.
3. something unsubstantial, trivial, or evanescent:

   The play was a charming bit of froth.

   Synonyms: nonsense, fluff, frivolity, triviality

verb (used with object)

1. to cover with froth:

   giant waves frothing the sand.

2. to cause to foam:

   to froth egg whites with a whisk.

3. to emit like froth:

   a demagogue frothing his hate.

verb (used without object)

1. to give out froth; foam:

   frothing at the mouth.

froth

/ frɒθ /

noun

1. a mass of small bubbles of air or a gas in a liquid, produced by fermentation, detergent, etc
2. a mixture of saliva and air bubbles formed at the lips in certain diseases, such as rabies
3. trivial ideas, talk, or entertainment

verb

1. to produce or cause to produce froth
2. tr to give out in the form of froth
3. tr to cover with froth

Derived Forms

• ˈfrothiness, noun
• ˈfrothily, adverb
• ˈfrothy, adjective

Other Words From

• frother noun
• outfroth verb (used with object)
• un·frothed adjective
• un·frothing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of froth¹

1350–1400; Middle English frothe < Old Norse frotha froth, scum

Word History and Origins

Origin of froth¹

C14: from Old Norse frotha or frauth ; related to Old English āfrēothan to foam, Sanskrit prothati he snorts

Example Sentences

George says both players are "frothing" at the prospect of facing South Africa.

From BBC

During their two-night run at the Fonda, the dance floor was filled with young fans whom Taylor happily describes as “young frothers, just frothing about life, like rabid frothing,” she says with a laugh.

From Los Angeles Times

But her style has risks - “like a can of Heineken, if shaken up too much, it can froth everywhere,” and make a terrible mess.

From BBC

Whether you’re frothing for the next set wave or just stoked to be part of the scene, understanding the language — and of course, surf etiquette — will help you navigate the surf with more confidence.

From Los Angeles Times

Currie is the sort of person who can whip up an espresso martini blindfolded and comprehend the precise level of froth someone might prefer for a coconut milk cappuccino.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• foam
• scum