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rake

noun (1)
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\ ˈrāk How to pronounce rake (audio) \

Definition of rake

 (Entry 1 of 5)

1a : an implement equipped with projecting prongs to gather material (such as leaves) or for loosening or smoothing the surface of the ground
b : a machine for gathering hay
2 : an implement like a rake

rake

verb (1)
raked; raking

Definition of rake (Entry 2 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to gather, loosen, or smooth with or as if with a rake rake leaves into a pile
2 : to gain rapidly or in abundance —usually used with inrake in a fortune
3a : to touch in passing over lightly
b : scratch, scrape
4 : to censure severely
5 : to search through : ransack
6 : to sweep the length of especially with gunfire : enfilade
7 : to glance over rapidly

rake

noun (2)

Definition of rake (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : inclination from the perpendicular especially : the overhang of a ship's bow or stern
2 : inclination from the horizontal : slope
3 : the angle between the top cutting surface of a tool and a plane perpendicular to the surface of the work

rake

verb (2)
raked; raking

Definition of rake (Entry 4 of 5)

intransitive verb

: to incline from the perpendicular

rake

noun (3)

Definition of rake (Entry 5 of 5)

: a dissolute person : libertine

Other Words from rake

Verb (1)

raker noun

First Known Use of rake

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

circa 1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1691, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1687, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for rake

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English racu; akin to Old High German rehho rake

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Noun (3)

short for rakehell

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Time Traveler for rake

Time Traveler

The first known use of rake was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Rake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rake. Accessed 22 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for rake

rake

noun
\ ˈrāk How to pronounce rake (audio) \

Kids Definition of rake

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a garden tool with a long handle and a bar with teeth or prongs at the end

rake

verb
raked; raking

Kids Definition of rake (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to gather, loosen, or smooth thoroughly with or as if with a rake rake leaves We raked together money to buy pizza.
2 : to search through
3 : to sweep the length of with gunfire

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More from Merriam-Webster on rake

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rake

Spanish Central: Translation of rake

Nglish: Translation of rake for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of rake for Arabic Speakers

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