What does lathery mean?
Lathery describes something soft, wet, and distinctly textured by moisture or soap suds. It is most often applied to skin or hair after washing, exercising, or sweating, as in “lathery with sweat,” but it can also characterize a wet or slippery surface. The word is useful where the general term “wet” does not convey the presence of foam, suds, or a soft physical texture. Although relatively uncommon, lathery is readily understood in both British and American English. It is descriptive rather than technical and commonly has a slightly playful or vivid quality, especially when referring to people who have just exercised, bathed, or been caught in the rain.
adjectiveSoft and wet, like lather; covered with soap suds or moisture.
- Soft and wet, especially like soap suds; covered with moisture or lather.
"After the workout, his skin was lathery with sweat."
"A lathery film of sweat covered her arms."
"The dog returned from the bath looking cheerful and lathery."
When “wet” is not quite enough, “lathery” adds the unmistakable texture of suds or moisture.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lathery come from?
Lathery was formed in English from lather and the suffix -y, meaning “having the nature of” or “covered with.” The base lather denotes foam or suds produced by soap and water. The same base appears in such inflected forms as lathered and lathering, while lathery specifically gives the resulting wet, soapy texture an adjectival form.
How lathery is actually used
This is a descriptive, somewhat informal adjective, normally used for skin, hair, or a surface covered in moisture, soap, or foam.
Easily confused with lathery
Lathery is an adjective describing a soft, wet, or soapy texture, whereas lather is a noun for foam or suds and can also be a verb meaning to form foam.