rasp

verb \ ˈrasp \

|Updated on: 21 Jun 2018

Examples: rasp in a Sentence

Definition of rasp

rasped; rasping; rasps

transitive verb

1 : to rub with something rough; specifically : to abrade with a rasp

2 : to grate upon : irritate

3 : to utter in a raspy tone

intransitive verb

1 : scrape

2 : to produce a grating sound

—

rasper

noun

—

raspingly

play \ˈra-spiŋ-lē\ adverb

See rasp defined for English-language learners

See rasp defined for kids

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

Her dynamism as a box-to-box player — including a rasping long-range shot — has been missed.

— jonathan tannenwald, Philly.com, "Tobin Heath, Christen Press, Julie Ertz return to U.S. women's national team roster for China games," 29 May 2018
The creatures attach to fish with a suction cup mouth, rasp a hole though the fish’s scales and skin, and feed on blood and body fluids.

— detroit free press staff, Detroit Free Press, "Scientists on the hunt for blood-sucking sea lampreys in metro Detroit," 22 May 2018
The 23-year-old nearly doubled his side's advantage a minute before the break with a rasping shot from 25 yards which just drifted wide of Oblak's right-hand post.

— SI.com, "Real Sociedad 3-0 Atletico Madrid: Excellent Adnan Januzaj Inspires Impressive Hosts to Deserved Win," 19 Apr. 2018
Before the half time interval the Spaniard denied rasping efforts from Marcelo and Ronaldo, but a heroic save late in the second-half to deny Ronaldo's close-range effort was arguably his best.

— SI.com, "Villarreal vs Real Madrid Preview: Previous Encounter, Key Battle, Team News & More," 18 May 2018
Substitute Nathan Dyer rasped a drive just over the bar as the hosts upped the ante again, and their pressure told as Jordan Ayew fired home with 20 minutes to go.

— SI.com, "Swansea 1-1 Everton: Swans Boost Survival Hopes in Pulsating Draw Against Toffees," 14 Apr. 2018
Best Goal Chelsea tore Brighton apart during the early stages of Saturday's early kick-off but some of the intricate play before Willian's rasping effort was simply wonderful to watch.

— SI.com, "6 of the Best Moments From the Premier League as Exciting Relegation Battle Intensifies," 22 Jan. 2018
Jack Stephens drew a fine save from Lloris in the 68th minute - rasping a right-footed effort towards the far post that was tipped wide by the goalkeeper.

— SI.com, "Tottenham 5-2 Southampton: Kane Bags Another Hat-Trick as Spurs Smash Saints in Boxing Day Bonanza," 26 Dec. 2017
Some patients were breathing only in labored rasps; others lay motionless and silent, seemingly comatose.

— glenn garvin, miamiherald, "From care center to purgatory to hellhole: How 10 frail elders died after Irma," 22 Sep. 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

rasp Synonyms

Phrases

get one's goat, get on one's nerves, get to, rub the wrong way, set one's teeth on edge, stick in one's craw, wear on;

rasp

noun

Definition of rasp

1 : a coarse file with cutting points instead of lines

2 : something used for rasping

3 a : an act of rasping

b : a rasping sound, sensation, or effect

See rasp defined for English-language learners

Examples of rasp in a Sentence

the rusted lock opened with a rasp

Recent Examples of rasp from the Web

The bits where her voice starts cracking and the rasp comes out?

— megan buerger, Billboard, "Zedd & Maren Morris on Why 'The Stakes Were So High' for 'The Middle'," 17 May 2018
Laferte, who was born in Chile and raised in Mexico City, has a sweet rasp in her voice that belies its power.

— joey guerra, Houston Chronicle, "Juanes and Mon Laferte enchant Smart Financial Centre crowd," 5 May 2018
Arcidiacono spoke Friday with the pre-noon, road-weary rasp of pro athletes everywhere: jet-lagged, dehydrated and homesick.

— marcus hayes, Philly.com, "Jalen Brunson and Ryan Arcidiacono share Villanova DNA | Marcus Hayes," 30 Mar. 2018
Stewart, who died Sunday night at age 75 (according to driver’s license records, he was born Oct. 18, 1942), was already a witty raconteur, and that rasp added an extra touch to his oral storytelling.

— robert philpot, star-telegram, "Perry Stewart, longtime Star-Telegram theater critic, dies at 75 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 8 Jan. 2018
Johnson has a layered rasp of a voice that echoes several greats, from George Jones to Randy Travis.

— joey guerra, Houston Chronicle, "It's going to be tough to top Cody Johnson's RodeoHouston high," 11 Mar. 2018
Adding to Shea’s throwback vibe is the world-weary rasp in his voice, a product of his blue-collar Queens roots and a thousand late nights in squad rooms.

— chris smith, Daily Intelligencer, "The Controversial Crime-Fighting Program That Changed Big-City Policing Forever," 2 Mar. 2018
Dinner will be served at 7:15pm in the ballroom and will include Bistro Salad, Duet London Broil/Chicken Bianco, Served with Yukon potatoes and medley of vegetables,and Tiramisu/NY Cheesecake w/rasp drizzle.

— stmichaelschool, cleveland.com, "St. Michael School to Hold "Angel Gala" on April 14: Community Voices," 15 Feb. 2018
The guitar-laden production features Moelogo, whose light soulful rasp gives the song a communal feeling fit for a bonfire on the beach.

— megan armstrong, Billboard, "Jonas Blue & Moelogo Say 'We Could Go Back' in New Single," 13 Oct. 2017

First Known Use of rasp

circa 1512

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

rasp Synonyms

Synonyms

creak, grind, jar, scrape;

Related Words

clang, clangor, clank, clash, jangle;

scuff;

croak, gargle;

blast, bleat, bray, screech;

RASP Defined for English Language Learners

rasp

verb

Definition of rasp for English Language Learners

: to speak in a way that sounds rough or harsh
: to make a rough, harsh sound
: to rub (something) with a rough object or substance

rasp

noun

Definition of rasp for English Language Learners

: a metal tool that has sharp points and that is used to make rough surfaces smooth
: a rough, harsh sound

RASP Defined for Kids

rasp

verb \ ˈrasp \

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.

rasp

noun

Definition of rasp for Students

1 : a harsh sound or sensation

2 : a coarse file used for shaping or smoothing

Learn More about rasp

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

What made you want to look up rasp? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

rasp

Definition of rasp

rasper

raspingly

Examples of rasp in a Sentence

Recent Examples of rasp from the Web

Origin and Etymology of rasp

rasp Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Phrases

rasp

Definition of rasp

Examples of rasp in a Sentence

Recent Examples of rasp from the Web

First Known Use of rasp

rasp Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

RASP Defined for English Language Learners

rasp

Definition of rasp for English Language Learners

rasp

Definition of rasp for English Language Learners

RASP Defined for Kids

rasp

Definition of rasp for Students

rasp

Definition of rasp for Students

Learn More about rasp

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

What It Means to Go ‘Radio Silent’

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word