rakish

1 of 2

adjective (1)

rak·​ish ˈrā-kish 

: 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

Synonyms of rakish

Adjective (1)

• corrupt
• degraded
• sick
• dissolute
• crooked
• decadent

Examples of rakish in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

within a few short years their rakish son had squandered the family fortune on hard liquor and fast cars

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For months now, the 28-year-old Australian actress has been traveling the world to promote Bridgerton alongside costar Luke Thompson, the rakish Benedict Bridgerton to her soft-spoken, but steely Sophie. —Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026

Will the rakish Benedict Bridgerton find his perfect match? —Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 24 Feb. 2026

The model was available as an elegant two-door sports saloon (slightly larger) or a more rakish two-door coupe. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2026

While trying to stay under the radar, Sophie catches Benedict's attention, who is determined to leave his rakish past behind him. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

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

Phrases Containing rakish

• rakish angle

Kids Definition

rakish

1 of 2 adjective

rak·​ish ˈrā-kish 

: 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"