1
: not cooked
2
a(1)
: being in or nearly in the natural state : not processed or purified
raw fibers
raw sewage
(2)
: not diluted or blended
raw spirits
b
: unprepared or imperfectly prepared for use
c
: not being in polished, finished, or processed form
raw data
a raw draft of a thesis
3
a(1)
: having the surface abraded or chafed
(2)
: very irritated
a raw sore throat
b
: lacking covering : naked
c
: not protected : susceptible to hurt
raw emotions
4
5
: disagreeably damp or cold
a raw winter day
rawly
adverb
rawness
noun
: a raw place or state
Synonyms
Examples of raw in a Sentence
Adjective
He entered the raw data into a spreadsheet.
The shoes rubbed my heels raw.
His throat was raw from the cold air.
Noun
a secluded swimming hole where we could swim in the raw
Recent Examples on the Web
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Investigators use genetic genealogy to solve cold cases by using suspect DNA collected from a crime scene, analyzing it, and converting it into a raw data file.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 22 Mar. 2024
So, here’s NFL moneyball in the raw.
—Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2022
See all Example Sentences for raw 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
The album’s raw, unvarnished portrayal of life’s trials and resilience resonates deeply with me.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Investigators use genetic genealogy to solve cold cases by using suspect DNA collected from a crime scene, analyzing it, and converting it into a raw data file.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
These ones turn out amazing—topped with sugar in the raw.
—Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 22 Mar. 2024
So, here’s NFL moneyball in the raw.
—Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2022
See all Example Sentences for raw
Dictionary Entries Near raw
Cite this Entry
“Raw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raw. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
raw
1 of 2 adjective1
: not cooked
a raw carrot
2
a
: being in or nearly in the natural state : not processed or purified
raw milk
raw sewage
b
: not in a finished, organized, or polished form
the raw edge of a seam
raw data
3
a
: having the surface scraped or roughened
raw red hands
b
: very sore or irritated
a raw throat
4
: not trained or experienced
a raw recruit
5
: unpleasantly damp or cold
a raw wind
rawly
adverb
rawness
noun
raw
2 of 2 noun
: a raw place or state
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