1
a
: an implement equipped with projecting prongs to gather material (such as leaves) or for loosening or smoothing the surface of the ground
b
: a machine for gathering hay
2
: an implement like a rake
raked; raking
1
: to gather, loosen, or smooth with or as if with a rake
rake leaves into a pile
2
: to gain rapidly or in abundance
—usually used with in
rake in a fortune
4
: to censure severely
5
: to search through : ransack
6
: to sweep the length of especially with gunfire : enfilade
7
: to glance over rapidly
raker
noun
1
: inclination from the perpendicular
especially
: the overhang of a ship's bow or stern
2
: inclination from the horizontal : slope
3
: the angle between the top cutting surface of a tool and a plane perpendicular to the surface of the work
Synonyms
Verb (1)
Noun (2)
Noun (3)
Examples of rake in a Sentence
Verb (1)
he raked repeatedly through his luggage, hoping that in one of the bags he would find his lost passport before his flight's departure
Noun (2)
the floor of the auditorium doesn't have much of a rake, so sightlines for spectators in the rear are not good
Noun (3)
was often spotted in sordid places that reinforced a reputation as one of the city's most notorious rakes
Recent Examples on the Web
Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024
Lyn handed me a hollow yellow rake that looked more like a child’s beach toy than a tool.
—Avery Keatley, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2024
Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
If your arm hurts just thinking about raking leaves in the fall, an electric leaf blower will make yard cleanup much quicker and less strenuous.
—Camryn Rabideau, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rake 
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show current usage.
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Noun
Growing microgreens outdoors in a garden requires a similar procedure:
Smooth out existing soil in your garden with a rake.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024
Lyn handed me a hollow yellow rake that looked more like a child’s beach toy than a tool.
—Avery Keatley, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2024
Verb
As Helene’s outer bands raked the Appalachian range, the French Broad River began to swell.
—Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
If your arm hurts just thinking about raking leaves in the fall, an electric leaf blower will make yard cleanup much quicker and less strenuous.
—Camryn Rabideau, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rake
Dictionary Entries Near rake
Cite this Entry
“Rake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rake. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rake
1 of 3 noun1
: a garden tool with a long handle and prongs at the end
2
: a machine for gathering hay
rake
2 of 3 verb
raked; raking
1
: to gather, loosen, or smooth with or as if with a rake
rake leaves
raking in money
2
a
: to touch in passing over lightly
3
: to search through : ransack
rake the records for evidence
4
: to sweep the length of with or as if with gunfire
raker
noun
rake
3 of 3 nounEtymology
Noun
Old English racu "a tool for gathering up grass or straw"
Noun
a shortened form of earlier rakehell (same meaning)
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