English Reference
verb · noun · adjective

lash

v. · n. · adj.
US /ˈɫæʃ/ UK /lˈæʃ/ lash UK spelling lashes

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to hit someone or something with a whip or a thin, flexible object.

    v.to strike with a lash or whip; to beat upon something with a forceful, whip-like motion.

    Simple

    The rider lashed the horse to make it run faster during the race.

    In context

    The storm lashed the coast for three days, with waves crashing violently against the crumbling sea wall.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Nautical

    v.to tie something firmly in place using a rope or cord.

    v.to bind or secure an object with a rope, cord, or chain to prevent movement.

    Simple

    We had to lash the suitcases to the roof of the car before we left.

    In context

    The crew worked quickly to lash the heavy equipment to the deck before the gale reached full strength.

    untieloosen
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    v.to rain very hard and with great force.

    v.to fall heavily and with significant force; typically used in the phrasal verb 'lash down'.

    Simple

    It started to lash down just as we stepped out of the house.

    In context

    The rain continued to lash down throughout the night, flooding the lower pastures and blocking the main road.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.one of the short hairs that grow on the edge of your eyelid.

    n.a single hair growing from the margin of the eyelid.

    Simple

    She had long, dark lashes that made her eyes look very bright.

    In context

    The patient complained of a recurring irritation caused by an ingrown lash on the upper eyelid.

    eyelashcilium
  5. 05 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.a single hit given with a whip, often as a punishment.

    n.a stroke or blow delivered with a whip or similar flexible implement.

    Simple

    In the old days, sailors could be punished with twenty lashes.

    In context

    The prisoner was sentenced to ten lashes, a common though brutal disciplinary measure in that era.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency InformalDialect

    n.a try or an attempt at doing something.

    n.an attempt or a 'go' at a particular task or activity.

    Simple

    I've never played golf before, but I'll have a lash at it.

    In context

    Despite having no formal training in carpentry, he decided to have a lash at building the garden shed himself.

  7. 07 C2 Proficiency SlangBritish English

    adj.a slang word for being very drunk.

    adj.intoxicated by alcohol; used in highly informal or slang contexts.

    Simple

    They went out for one drink and ended up completely lash.

    In context

    The party-goers were visibly lash by midnight, making the journey home somewhat chaotic for the designated drivers.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated