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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
And then Elisabeth uses it, and her spine splits open, leaving her a rasping husk of flesh while an alternate self rises, in the dewy buff, to survey her taut flesh with a clinical eye in the mirror. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2024 What endures is the rasping byplay, the soaring exasperation, the tango of opposing temperaments finding fleeting common ground. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024
Noun
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 At the heart of the group’s new identity is the interplay between Shinoda, who sounds revitalized as both quick-twitch rapper and heartfelt crooner, and Armstrong, whose formidable rasp can both wallop and deeply affect rock listeners. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Sep. 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 Nov. 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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