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

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

This time Todd, who has been heralded as the heir apparent to Ralph Lauren, set his sights on Havana and the rakish style of 1980’s Miami. —Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Historical trappings aside, the role marks a departure from the rakish George Wickham or anyone he’s portrayed before. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025

In addition, Schwartzman portrays Burton, a rakish vampire leading a cloistered life in an Upper West Side penthouse, while Bogosian plays Daniel Molloy, and Kirk is Talamasca agent Raglan James. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025

The former is the nerdier, more officious type in his bow tie and sport coat, the latter more rakish, a one-time rabble rouser who’s just happy to have something interesting to do. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025

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"