nag

play

noun \ˈnag\

Definition of nag

: horse; especially : one that is old or in poor condition

Origin and Etymology of nag

Middle English nagge; akin to Dutch negge small horse

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Equestrian Terms

canter, cantle, curry, farrier, hunter, paddock, router, skirt, tack

nag

verb

Definition of nag

nagged

;

nagging

intransitive verb
1 : to find fault incessantly : complain
2 : to be a persistent source of annoyance or distraction
transitive verb
1 : to irritate by constant scolding or urging
2 : badger, worry

nagger

noun

nagging

adjective

naggingly

play \ˈna-giŋ-lē\ adverb

See nag defined for English-language learners

Examples of nag in a sentence

Mom's always nagging me about my hair.
All you ever do is nag.
My parents are always nagging me to clean my room.
He kept nagging her until she agreed to see the movie.
Quit nagging! I already said I'm not going.

Origin and Etymology of nag

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse nagga to moan, complain

First Known Use: circa 1828

nag

noun

Definition of nag

: one who nags habitually

1925

First Known Use of nag

1925

NAG Defined for English Language Learners

nag

verb

Definition of nag for English Language Learners

: to annoy (someone) by often complaining about his or her behavior, appearance, etc.
: to annoy (someone) with repeated questions, requests, or orders
: to cause (someone) to feel annoyed or worried for a long period of time

NAG Defined for Kids

nag

play

verb \ˈnag\

Definition of nag for Students

nagged

;

nagging

1 : to annoy by repeated complaining, scolding, or urging Mom nagged me to finish my homework.
2 : to annoy continually or again and again … Mrs. Frisby could not quite get rid of a nagging worry … — Robert C. O'Brien, Rats of NIMH