rakish

1 of 2

adjective (1)

rak·​ish ˈrā-kish How to pronounce rakish (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a rake : dissolute

rakish

2 of 2

adjective (2)

1
: having a trim or streamlined appearance suggestive of speed
a rakish ship
2
: dashingly or carelessly unconventional : jaunty
rakish clothes

Examples of rakish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Adjustable air springs lower the rakish body by 10 mm to 25 mm versus standard models. Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2024 Those two characters served as the yin and yang for the early MCU — Stark the brash, rakish genius; Cap the stalwart, aw shucks warrior — that became the franchise’s gravitational center. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 15 Feb. 2024 Sebastian is a cash-poor viscount with a rakish reputation. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 8 Feb. 2024 Of course, the rakish accessories are also historically accurate. Fawnia Soo Hoo, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2024 Ruffalo was offered the role of rakish attorney Duncan Wedderburn and recalled how he was sent the script. Jenelle Riley, Variety, 18 Jan. 2024 The new hat silhouette of choice is an oversized saucer shape, worn at a rakish slant so her face is still in clear view for royal fans and photographers alike. Emma Spedding, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2023 And, befitting its new address at 36 Saville Row, Daniel Hanson offers both ready-to-wear and bespoke dressing gowns in a range of sumptuous materials, including contrast-facing cashmere and silk jacquard—perfect for a rakish approach to creative black tie. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2023 Those packs could become as small as 100 mm for high-performance sports models where a low seating position and rakish roofline come with the territory. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rakish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

rake entry 5

Adjective (2)

probably from rake entry 4; from the raking masts of pirate ships

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1696, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rakish was in 1696

Dictionary Entries Near rakish

Cite this Entry

“Rakish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rakish. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rakish

1 of 2 adjective
rak·​ish ˈrā-kish How to pronounce rakish (audio)
: of or resembling that of a rake : dissolute
rakishly adverb
rakishness noun

rakish

2 of 2 adjective
1
: having a trim or streamlined look that suggests speed
a rakish ship
a rakish sports car
2
: jaunty, dashing
rakish clothes
rakishly adverb
rakishness noun
Etymology

Adjective

from rake "libertine"

Adjective

from earlier rake "the amount of slope or lean of a ship's mast or the amount of overhang of a ship's bow"

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