# frothy

/ˈfɹɔθi/ (US) · /fɹˈɒθi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frothy
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

full of small bubbles or light foam, like the top of a cappuccino. In business, you use it for a market where excitement has pushed prices too high.

For teachers: covered with or consisting of small bubbles or light foam. Extended in business use to describe a market or asset prices driven by excitement rather than underlying value, suggesting overvaluation.

## Examples

- She pours the frothy milk over the hot coffee.
- The barista tops each cappuccino with frothy milk that holds its shape for a few minutes.
- Analysts warned that frothy housing prices, driven more by speculation than income growth, could fall sharply if interest rates rose.

## Synonyms

bubbly, foamy

## Antonyms

flat

## Usage notes

- Gradable ('very frothy'); typically placed before the noun or after linking verbs such as 'look' or 'become'.

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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.