ragtag

adjective

rag·​tag ˈrag-ˌtag How to pronounce ragtag (audio)
1
2
: motley sense 2
a ragtag bunch of misfits

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Breaking Down Ragtag

Tag and rag was a relatively common expression in the 16th and 17th centuries, and it was often used pejoratively to refer to members of the lower classes of society. By the 18th century, the phrase had been expanded to ragtag and bobtail. That expression could mean either "the lower classes" or "the entire lot of something" (as opposed to just the more desirable parts—the entire unit of an army, for example, not just its more capable soldiers). Something described as ragtag and bobtail, then, was usually common and unspectacular. Ragtag and bobtail was eventually shortened to ragtag, the adjective we know today, which can describe an odd mixture that is often hastily assembled or second-rate.

Examples of ragtag in a Sentence

a ragtag group of musicians the team was a ragtag bunch who had only one thing in common: a lack of skill
Recent Examples on the Web The film follows a ragtag team of ghost hunters trying to stop the evil spirit Zuul. Keith Langston, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 The series’ hero, Jack Pembroke, who was mentally and physically wounded by defeat in Dunkirk, needs to rally in order to lead a ragtag team of South Africans. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 20 Oct. 2024 Based on Spook Street, the fourth book in Herron's Slough House series, the team of ragtag spies, once again led by Gary Oldman's Jackson Lamb, investigates a bombing. Simon Thompson, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Long-term, Harris wants to build a new stadium to replace the ragtag 27-year-old structure. Hank Tucker, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ragtag 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ragtag.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ragtag and bobtail

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ragtag was in 1865

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Cite this Entry

“Ragtag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ragtag. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

ragtag

adjective
rag·​tag ˈrag-ˌtag How to pronounce ragtag (audio)

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