rasp

1 of 2

verb

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 adverb

rasp

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples of rasp in a Sentence

Verb “Let go of my arm,” she rasped. The metal boxes rasped as they were dragged across the floor. Noun the rusted lock opened with a rasp
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Nicolae Stanciu scored one of the best goals of the early stages for Romania, his rasping strike against Ukraine ultimately proving a significant factor in them winning Group E. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, erstwhile transfer-gossip column stalwart, was probably Serbia’s best player at the tournament. Nick Miller, The Athletic, 10 July 2024 City trailed 1-0 at halftime after Marcus Rashford’s rasping long-range strike in the eighth minute and a glaring miss from the prolific Haaland from barely two meters out. Steve Douglas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024
Noun
Those two things – her effortlessly natural allure and her distinct vocal tone that infuses her Bajan accent with trademark throaty rasp – proved to be the most important building blocks for her impending domination. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2024 And despite his Pittsburgh roots and Florida home, Monaco’s low rasp and vocal patterns wouldn’t be out of place on a Sopranos bit-character. Brendan Menapace, SPIN, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rasp 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French *rasper, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German raspōn to scrape together

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1512, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rasp was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rasp

Cite this Entry

“Rasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rasp. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rasp

1 of 2 verb
1
: to rub with or as if with a rough file
rasp off a rough edge
2
3
: to speak or say in an irritated tone
4
: to make a harsh grating sound

rasp

2 of 2 noun
1
: a coarse file with cutting points instead of lines
2
: a rasping sound or sensation

More from Merriam-Webster on rasp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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