Rake Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/reɪk/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A tool used for collecting, gathering, or spreading materials, such as leaves, hay, or snow.

Examples

• The gardener used a rake to collect the fallen leaves.
• The farmer used a rake to spread the hay evenly.

Synonyms

• Shovel
• Harrow

Antonyms

• Spread
• Focus

Additional Information

Rakes are often used in gardening, farming, and landscaping to collect and manage debris, spread materials, and maintain surfaces. They come in various sizes and types, including fan rakes, garden rakes, and leaf rakes.

Rakes have been used by humans for thousands of years, with early depictions of rakes appearing in ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian art.

In modern times, rakes are an essential tool for many industries, including agriculture, construction, and landscaping.

Etymology

The word “rake” originates from the Old English word “rācian,” meaning “to gather” or “to collect.”

Usage Notes

Rake can be used as a transitive or intransitive verb, for example: “Rake the leaves” or “The wind will rake the sand.”

Cultural References

Rakes appear in the popular video game series “The Elder Scrolls” as a tool used by characters to collect and manage items.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Rake in” means to gain a lot of money or benefits, for example: “The company raked in profits after the merger.”

Related Words or Phrases

Scythe, cultivator, plow

Collocations

Rake with leaves, rake the snow, rake the sand

Frequency of Use

Rake is a common word in everyday language, ranking around 500 in the Oxford English Corpus.

Common Misspellings

Rake is often misspelled as “rakee,” “rakey,” or “rakes.”