rag
rag Lexical Profile
rag Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A piece of old, torn, or frayed cloth, typically used for cleaning, wiping, or patching.
"She grabbed a damp rag to wipe the grease off the kitchen counter."
A newspaper or magazine considered to be of poor quality, sensationalist, or worthless.
"I cannot believe people still waste their money buying that gossip rag."
A musical composition in ragtime style, characterized by a highly syncopated melody.
"The pianist entertained the café patrons by playing a lively Scott Joplin rag."
• verb
To mock, tease, or playfully scold someone.
"His older brothers used to rag him constantly about his terrible haircuts."
To play a piece of music with a highly syncopated rhythm in the style of ragtime.
"The jazz band decided to rag a classical waltz, giving it an unexpected and energetic bounce."
• Rhymes for rag
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'ragge', probably of Scandinavian origin, akin to Old Norse 'rögg' meaning 'tuft' or 'shagginess'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.