nag

verb

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\ ˈnag

nagged; nagging

Definition of nag

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to irritate by constant scolding or urging

2 : badger, worry

intransitive verb

1 : to find fault incessantly : complain

2 : to be a persistent source of annoyance or distraction

nag

noun (1)

Definition of nag (Entry 2 of 3)

: one who nags habitually

nag

noun (2)

Definition of nag (Entry 3 of 3)

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

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Examples of nag in a Sentence

Verb 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.

First Known Use of nag

Verb

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (1)

1925, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for nag

Verb

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

Noun (2)

Middle English nagge; akin to Dutch negge small horse

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Cite this Entry

“Nag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nag. Accessed 12 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for nag

nag

verb

\ ˈnag

nagged; nagging

Kids Definition of nag

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 O'Brien, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

nag

noun

Kids Definition of nag (Entry 2 of 2)

: an old and usually worn-out horse