grated; grating
1
: to reduce to small particles by rubbing on something rough
grate cheese
3
a
: to gnash or grind noisily
b
: to cause to make a rasping sound
c
: to utter in a harsh voice
4
archaic
: abrade
1
: to rub or rasp noisily
metal grating against metal
2
: to cause irritation : jar
a voice that grates on the nerves
grater
noun
grat·er
ˈgrātə(r),
-ātə-
plural -s
: one that grates
especially
: a machine or device used for reducing material (as a nutmeg or a turnip) to small bits by rubbing or abrading
Examples of grate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 June 2026
After seasoning the steak, Jade grates cheese as Giada stirs the pasta, accidentally dropping it into the bowl.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Moore is the grating living embodiment of the delusions of the managerial-artistic class.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 May 2026
In this recipe from The Vegetable Butcher cookbook, Cara Mangini sautes grated carrot, pine nuts, and garlic in olive oil, then stirs the mixture into Greek yogurt.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for grate
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Verb
Mix in 4 garlic cloves, finely grated, 1 Tbsp.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 June 2026
After seasoning the steak, Jade grates cheese as Giada stirs the pasta, accidentally dropping it into the bowl.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026
Moore is the grating living embodiment of the delusions of the managerial-artistic class.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 May 2026
In this recipe from The Vegetable Butcher cookbook, Cara Mangini sautes grated carrot, pine nuts, and garlic in olive oil, then stirs the mixture into Greek yogurt.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for grate
Cite this Entry
“Grate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
grate
1 of 2 noun1
2
: a frame of iron bars for holding burning fuel (as in a fireplace)
grate
2 of 2 verb
grated; grating
1
: to make into small particles by rubbing against something rough
grate cheese
2
: to grind or rub against something with a scratching noise
3
: to have a harsh or irritating effect
grater
noun
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