Definition of rasp
rasper
nounFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of rasp in a Sentence
“Let go of my arm,” she rasped.
The metal boxes rasped as they were dragged across the floor.
Recent Examples of rasp from the Web
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Soon the rasping sounds of a saw joined those of falling water, and local settlers carried away splintery but fresh-smelling planks of oak, elm and walnut.
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The noise of desperate, rasping inhalation echoes throughout the evening.
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Festival co-founder Lee Reynolds is still awake and riding high after his midnight set, shouting and chanting at the picturesque cerulean sky with his hair disheveled, voice rasped, and squinting eyes and arms raised high.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rasp.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of rasp
Middle English, from Anglo-French *rasper, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German raspōn to scrape together
rasp
Definition of rasp
1 : a coarse file with cutting points instead of lines
2 : something used for rasping
3a : an act of raspingb : a rasping sound, sensation, or effect
Examples of rasp in a Sentence
the rusted lock opened with a rasp
Recent Examples of rasp from the Web
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The new performances up the intensity, which is only further heightened by the nasty rasp and sinister wheeze that age has visited upon Lunch’s voice.
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He's frequently shown on horseback and motion-capture actor Andy Serkis' voice is reduced here to an Ape With No Name rasp.
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Without Bizzy’s distinctive mosquito-like rasp, renditions of the group’s biggest hits were like meals served without a primary ingredient.
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At low rpm there is a decent little rasp, but in the engine’s upper reaches the whole thing goes quiet.
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His voice was a gravelly rasp, colored by excessive drink and smoke.
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Her own voice is a taut, lived-in soprano that can take on a flutter or a rasp.
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A particular onstage highlight is Rusty Coathanger (Stephanie Luke), a commanding drummer with the kind of gravelly rasp that is generally discouraged by vocal instructors.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rasp.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of rasp
circa 1512
RASP Defined for English Language Learners
rasp
playDefinition of rasp for English Language Learners
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: to speak in a way that sounds rough or harsh
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: to make a rough, harsh sound
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: to rub (something) with a rough object or substance
rasp
Definition of rasp for English Language Learners
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: a metal tool that has sharp points and that is used to make rough surfaces smooth
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: a rough, harsh sound
RASP Defined for Kids
Definition of rasp for Students
rasped
;rasping
1 : to say with or make a harsh sound “Who was it?” I rasped, holding my breath. — Mildred D. Taylor, Roll of Thunder
2 : to rub with or as if with a rough object or substance I rasped off the rough edges.
Definition of rasp for Students
1 : a harsh sound or sensation
2 : a coarse file used for shaping or smoothing
Learn More about rasp
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See words that rhyme with rasp Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rasp Spanish Central: Translation of rasp Nglish: Translation of rasp for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rasp
Seen and Heard
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