Foam: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe a lightweight, frothy substance. Commonly seen in everyday items like mattresses, packing materials, and shaving cream.

• The foam cushion was very comfortable
• He applied shaving foam to his face

Describes a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid, often seen in beverages like coffee or beer and can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation when referring to insubstantial or trivial matters.

• She sipped her cappuccino, enjoying the froth on top
• The surface of the lake was covered in a bit of froth from the boat's wake

Specifically refers to the frothy top layer of a glass of beer or other carbonated beverages. Used mainly in bar or beer-related conversations.

• He waited for the head on his beer to settle
• A good pour should have a nice thick head on the beer

Usually refers to small spheres filled with air or gas and can be seen in various liquids. Common in children's play, fizzy drinks, and bubbling water.

• The children were playing with bubbles in the backyard
• There are a lot of bubbles in this sparkling water

Often used to describe a substance formed by trapping gas bubbles in a liquid or solid. Commonly found in products like foamy drinks, cleaning agents, or as a material used in various industries.

• The waves crashed against the shore, creating a white foam.
• She used a foam cleaner to remove the stains from the carpet.

Refers to soft material used to fill or cover an object for added comfort, protection, or to fill space. Often found in clothing, packaging, and furniture.

• The jacket has extra padding to keep you warm during the winter.
• We used bubble wrap as padding to protect the fragile items.

Refers to material designed to absorb shock and reduce impact, often used in products like shoes, packaging, or furniture to provide comfort and protection.

• The new running shoes have extra cushioning to protect your feet.
• We added cushioning to the box to prevent the items from breaking during shipping.

Typically used to describe materials or techniques that prevent the transfer of heat, sound, or electricity. Commonly used in construction and home improvement.

• They installed insulation in the attic to keep the house warm in the winter.
• Sound insulation was added to the studio to keep the noise levels down.

Best used to describe a mass of small bubbles formed on or in liquid, often seen on the surface of the sea, in a glass of beer, or when using cleaning products.

• The waves crashed against the shore, leaving a line of foam on the sand
• She noticed foam forming at the top of her coffee after adding milk

Often used to describe a light, airy foam that forms on the surface of liquids, particularly beverages like coffee or beer. Also used in a negative sense to describe frivolous or unsubstantial talk or activity.

• A rich froth topped the freshly brewed latte
• The speech was criticized as being nothing but political froth

Suitable for describing a single globule of gas within a liquid, often seen in carbonated drinks, boiling water, or when blowing soap bubbles.

• The child giggled as she blew bubbles into the air
• I watched the bubbles rise to the surface of my sparkling water

Used in scientific or formal contexts to describe the process of bubbling or fizzing, generally when a liquid releases gas.

• The solution began to effervesce when the chemical was added
• The tablet will effervesce rapidly upon contact with water