rasped; rasping; rasps
1
: to rub with something rough
specifically
: to abrade with a rasp
2
: to grate upon : irritate
3
: to utter in a raspy tone
rasper
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
Synonyms
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
Tim Ellis, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Perhaps my favorite noisy aquarium fish are the Synodontis catfishes, which produce a rasping sound that resembles a growl that can easily be heard outside their aquarium during territorial disputes.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rasp 
Verb
The full-on, ranting and raging, roaring and rasping Murray has been tempered.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Perhaps my favorite noisy aquarium fish are the Synodontis catfishes, which produce a rasping sound that resembles a growl that can easily be heard outside their aquarium during territorial disputes.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rasp
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rasp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rasp
Cite this Entry
“Rasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rasp. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rasp
1 of 2 verb1
: 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 noun1
: a coarse file with cutting points instead of lines
2
: a rasping sound or sensation
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