Rag Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ræg/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A piece of cloth, often used for cleaning or wiping, but also used figuratively to refer to a person who is worn out or exhausted, often due to a lack of resources or energy.

Examples

• The kitchen rag was stained with tomato sauce.
• After years of overwork, John was a rag, unable to muster the energy for even the simplest tasks.

Synonyms

• Ragtag
• Worn out

Antonyms

• Fresh
• New

Etymology

The word “Rag” comes from the Old English word “ragu”, meaning “rags” or “clothing made of rags”, and has been used figuratively to describe a person who is worn out since the 15th century.

Usage Notes

Care should be taken to use the word “Rag” correctly, as it can be ambiguous in certain contexts. For example, “I’m a rag” could be interpreted as either a person who is worn out or a piece of cloth used for cleaning.

Cultural References

The phrase “Rag, tag and bobtail” was used in the 19th century to describe a group of ragged and disheveled people, and has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature and music.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Rag-to-riches” is a common idiomatic expression that describes a person who rises from poverty to wealth through their own efforts.

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related to “Rag” include “ragged”, “rags”, “ragbag”, and “ratbag”.

Collocations

Common collocations with “Rag” include “kitchen rag”, “dust rag”, and “rag cloth”.

Common Misspellings