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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Nicolae Stanciu scored one of the best goals of the early stages for Romania, his rasping strike against Ukraine ultimately proving a significant factor in them winning Group E. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, erstwhile transfer-gossip column stalwart, was probably Serbia’s best player at the tournament. Nick Miller, The Athletic, 10 July 2024 City trailed 1-0 at halftime after Marcus Rashford’s rasping long-range strike in the eighth minute and a glaring miss from the prolific Haaland from barely two meters out. Steve Douglas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024
Noun
In this case, there’s not much in the way of medication that can help; Dr. Mercado notes that OTC drugs haven’t actually been proven effective for softening a bad rasp. Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Feb. 2025 Vernon also lent his signature rasp to collaborations with some of the biggest stars in music, from Taylor Swift, Travis Scott, and Charli XCX. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025 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 20 Feb. 2025.

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

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