rasped; rasping; rasps
1
: to rub with something rough
specifically
: to abrade with a rasp
2
: to grate upon : irritate
3
: to utter in a raspy tone
rasper
noun
1
: a coarse file with cutting points instead of lines
2
: something used for rasping
3
a
: an act of rasping
b
: a rasping sound, sensation, or effect
Examples of rasp in a Sentence
Verb
“Let go of my arm,” she rasped.
The metal boxes rasped as they were dragged across the floor.
Noun
the rusted lock opened with a rasp
Recent Examples on the Web
Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
His summer holiday after scoring three times in the group stage for Portugal in the European Under-21 Championship — punctuated by a rasping right-footed shot into the top corner against Poland that circulated widely among Chelsea fans online — consisted of a week spent with friends in the Algarve.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2025
Bryan West, The Tennessean, 30 May 2025
Wallen has abandoned the panting rasp of his mid-twenties, and now performs with force and depth.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rasp
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Verb
For a short time, the line rasped, smoking, through the chocks.
—Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
His summer holiday after scoring three times in the group stage for Portugal in the European Under-21 Championship — punctuated by a rasping right-footed shot into the top corner against Poland that circulated widely among Chelsea fans online — consisted of a week spent with friends in the Algarve.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2025
Noun
The soulful rasp of his voice bellowed through the open-roof into the Nashville night.
—Bryan West, The Tennessean, 30 May 2025
Wallen has abandoned the panting rasp of his mid-twenties, and now performs with force and depth.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rasp
Cite this Entry
“Rasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rasp. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rasp
1 of 2 verb1
: to rub with or as if with a rough file
rasp off a rough edge
2
3
: to speak or say in an irritated tone
4
: to make a harsh grating sound
rasp
2 of 2 noun1
: a coarse file with cutting points instead of lines
2
: a rasping sound or sensation
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