rag — a piece of old cloth, especially one torn from a larger piece, used typically for cleaning things
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a piece of old cloth, especially one torn from a larger piece, used typically for cleaning things
Pronunciation (IPA): /ræɡ/
Example Sentences
- My mom turned my favorite t-shirt into a cleaning rag after I got chocolate stains on it.
- The homeless man was dressed in rags but had a kind smile.
- Don't rag on me just because I forgot to bring my homework again!
rag
NOUN[/ræɡ/]
a piece of old cloth, especially one torn from a larger piece, used typically for cleaning things
He wiped the muddy shoes with an old rag.
The boy used a rag to make the old bicycle shine. (RAG = RUB AND GLOW → a cloth used to rub and clean things)
He dragged the rag and tossed it into the bag.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'rag' derives from Old Norse 'rögg', originally meaning 'rough stone' or 'shaggy material'. The term entered Middle English around the 14th century and gradually shifted in meaning to denote a torn or tattered piece of cloth.
Breakdown
Old Norse rögg (rough, shaggy) → Middle English rag → Modern English rag (torn piece of fabric). The semantic shift reflects the word's evolution from describing rough, coarse texture to specifically denoting torn cloth.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom turned my favorite t-shirt into a cleaning rag after I got chocolate stains on it.”
“The homeless man was dressed in rags but had a kind smile.”
“Don't rag on me just because I forgot to bring my homework again!”
“She went from rags to riches after inventing that amazing app.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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