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Definition of bedraggle

bedraggle

/bɪˈdræɡəl/
be · drag · gle
Adjective:bedraggled
•
Past Simple:bedraggled
•
Past Participle:bedraggled
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Present Participle:bedraggling
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bedraggle Lexical Profile

bedraggle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make something wet, limp, and dirty, especially by dragging or trailing it through mud, rain, or mire.

Example

"The sudden downpour and muddy footpaths threatened to bedraggle the hems of their long coats before they reached the station."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bedraggle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for bedraggle

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern English, the finite verb 'bedraggle' is rarely used; the word appears almost exclusively as the participial adjective 'bedraggled'.

• Rhymes for bedraggle

• Nearby Words

bedouin
bedpan
bedpost
bedraggle
bedraggled
bedrail
bedrest

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 18th century from the intensive prefix 'be-' combined with 'draggle' (a frequentative form of 'drag'), meaning to make wet and dirty by trailing on the ground.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bedraggle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bedraggle
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