# froth

/ˈfɹɔθ/ (US) · /fɹˈɒθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/froth
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. bubbles on a liquid

noun · CEFR B2

a mass of small bubbles on the surface of a liquid like coffee or beer.

For teachers: a mass of small bubbles formed on or in a liquid by agitation, fermentation, or carbonation.

- The barista poured the steamed milk carefully to keep the froth on top.
- The sea was rough, and thick white froth gathered along the shoreline where the waves broke against the jagged rocks.

### 2. insubstantial content

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

ideas, talk, or entertainment that is fun but has no serious value or meaning.

For teachers: content, talk, or activity seen as attractive but ultimately lacking in substance, depth, or importance.

- The movie was just light froth, but it was a nice way to relax.
- Critics dismissed the novel as mere social froth, arguing it failed to engage with the serious political themes of the era.

### 3. market speculation

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a situation in business where prices are high because of excitement, not real value.

For teachers: a condition in financial markets where asset prices are driven by speculation rather than intrinsic value.

- Economists warned that there was too much froth in the housing market.
- The central bank raised interest rates in an attempt to remove some of the froth from the overheated technology sector.

### 4. to produce bubbles

verb · CEFR B2

to make a liquid form bubbles or to have bubbles come out of your mouth.

For teachers: to produce or become covered in a mass of small bubbles; can describe liquids or the physiological effect of extreme rage or illness.

- The soap began to froth as she scrubbed the floor.
- The agitated river frothed against the bridge pilings after the heavy spring rains.

Usage: Often used as an intransitive verb when describing natural bubbling.

## Examples

- The milk started to turn into froth as it heated up.
- Investors were warned that the sudden rise in tech stock prices was just market froth that would eventually burst.
- While the initial surge in housing prices seemed justified by economic growth, many analysts argued that the market was built on froth rather than a solid foundation of long-term demand.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.