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rag

A piece of old, torn cloth used for cleaning or polishing. / A low-quality or sensationalist newspaper or magazine. / To tease or mock someone persistently. / To clean or polish something using a cloth.
Transitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: ragspast: raggedpp: raggeding: ragging

The word carries a strong sensory association with wear and tear, evoking images of frayed edges and faded colors. When applied to a physical object, it suggests something that has lost its original purpose and has been relegated to menial labor, often associated with grime, oil, or dust.

When used to describe a publication, the term is derogatory, implying a lack of journalistic integrity or a desperate attempt to attract attention through gossip. In the context of social interaction, the verb form suggests a playful but potentially mean-spirited persistence, mirroring the way a cloth rubs away a surface.

Countable when referring to a specific piece of cloth used for cleaning. Uncountable when referring to a mass of scrap fabric.

Meanings

Noun

A piece of old, torn cloth used for cleaning or polishing.

He used a greasy rag to wipe down the engine.

Noun

A low-quality or sensationalist newspaper or magazine.

I read about the scandal in some local rag.

Transitive Verb
[~ someone][~ something]

To tease or mock someone persistently.

The older boys used to rag him about his glasses.

Transitive Verb
[~ something]

To clean or polish something using a cloth.

She ragged the surface until it shone.

Examples

Grab a rag and wipe down the counter.

I cannot believe you are reading that gossip rag.

Stop ragging on me about my haircut.

School Life

He spent the afternoon ragging his silver trophies to a shine.

History

Just use an old rag to soak up the oil spill.

Why does he always rag on his coworkers during lunch?

Office

That local rag is full of fake news and scandals.

I need to rag these boots before the ceremony.

The beggar wore nothing but rags in the freezing wind.

Phrasal Verbs

rag on

to tease or mock someone relentlessly

The teammates started to rag on him after he missed the winning shot.

Related Words

teasemockridiculetauntderidepraisecomplimentflatterlaudjokebanterinsultharassbullycriticizescoffjeerribneedlefabricclothscrapshredtattertextilecleaningdustingwipepatchworkclothinggarmentpovertydestitutionnewspapertabloidperiodicalpublication
Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error