English Reference
noun · verb

frog

n. · v.
US /ˈfɹɑɡ/ UK /fɹˈɒɡ/ frog UK spelling frog's, frog's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Science

    n.a small, cold-blooded animal with long back legs for jumping that lives both in water and on land.

    n.any of various tailless amphibians of the order Anura, characterized by long hind limbs adapted for leaping and a semi-aquatic lifestyle.

    Simple

    The children watched a small green frog hop into the pond.

    In context

    Biologists use the presence of certain frog species as an indicator of the overall health of the local wetland ecosystem.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.an ornamental loop and button used to fasten the front of a coat or jacket.

    n.an ornamental braided loop and spindle-shaped button used as a fastener on garments, particularly military or traditional uniforms.

    Simple

    The vintage jacket was decorated with silk frogs instead of regular buttons.

    In context

    The historical costume designer spent hours recreating the intricate gold frogs that adorned the hussar's ceremonial tunic.

    fastenertoggle
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency VulgarSlang

    n.an insulting and offensive word for a French person.

    n.a derogatory ethnic slur directed at French people or French-speaking individuals.

    Simple

    He was criticized for using an offensive term like frog during the argument.

    In context

    The use of such xenophobic epithets as 'frog' is strictly prohibited under the organization's code of conduct regarding hate speech.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.the soft, V-shaped part on the bottom of a horse's hoof.

    n.a triangular, elastic horny pad in the middle of the sole of a horse's hoof that acts as a shock absorber and assists blood circulation.

    Simple

    The farrier checked the frog of the horse's hoof for any signs of infection.

    In context

    Proper maintenance of the frog is essential for the equine's hoof health, as it provides necessary traction and cushioning during movement.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Music

    n.the part of a violin bow that the player holds.

    n.the device at the lower end of a stringed instrument's bow that holds the hair and adjusts its tension.

    Simple

    He gripped the frog of the bow firmly before starting the concerto.

    In context

    The luthier carefully adjusted the screw in the frog to ensure the horsehair had the perfect amount of tension for the performance.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced Informal

    v.to pull apart a piece of knitting because you made a mistake.

    v.to rip out or unravel rows of knitting, often to correct an error or reuse the yarn.

    Simple

    I had to frog the entire sweater because I missed a stitch in the first row.

    In context

    After realizing the gauge was incorrect, she decided to frog the entire sleeve and start over with smaller needles.

    Usage

    The term comes from the sound 'rip it, rip it', which sounds like a frog's 'ribbit'.

    unravelrip out
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated