graze
graze Lexical Profile
graze Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To feed on growing grass and herbage in a pasture or meadow (of cattle, sheep, or other herbivorous animals).
"Herders watched the sheep graze peacefully across the green hillside."
To touch, brush, or scrape lightly against something in passing, often causing a superficial abrasion.
"The low-hanging tree branch managed to graze the roof of the delivery van."
To eat small portions of food or snacks casually at frequent intervals throughout the day rather than sitting down to formal meals.
"During the conference, attendees tended to graze on fruit and pastries between sessions."
• noun
A slight abrasion or superficial wound where the outer layer of skin has been scraped off.
"The nurse cleaned the minor graze on the child's elbow with an antiseptic wipe."
• Rhymes for graze
Word Origin & Etymology
The sense relating to feeding on grass comes from Old English 'grasian', a derivative of 'græs' (grass). The sense meaning to touch or scrape lightly developed in the 17th century, likely influenced by the idea of a projectile skimming the grass.