Rag

/ˈɹæɡ/ · noun

Meaning

(especially in the plural) Tattered clothes (clothing)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (especially in the plural) Tattered clothes (clothing).
2. A piece of old cloth, especially one used for cleaning, patching, etc.; a tattered piece of cloth; a shred or tatter.
3. (derogatory) A shabby, beggarly person; synonym of ragamuffin.
4. A ragged edge in metalworking.
5. (nautical, slang) A sail, or any piece of canvas.
6. (singular or plural, slang) Sanitary napkins, pads, or other materials used to absorb menstrual discharge.
7. (slang, derogatory) A newspaper or magazine, especially one whose journalism is considered to be of poor quality.
8. (poker) A poor, low-ranking kicker.

Example Sentences

—What a pretty dress! —What, this old rag?

It's semiformal. I can't show up dressed in rags!

rags to riches

And virtue, though in rags, will keep me warm.

Cowls, hoods, and habits, with their wearers, toss'd, / And flutter'd into rags; then reliques, beads,

[…]even by the law of their own might and malice, not having otherwise any rag of legality to cover the shame of their cruelty.

For upon the like Proclamation there, they all came in, both tag and rag

The other zealous rag is the compositor, / Who in an angle where the ants inhabit, / (The emblems of his labors) will sit curl'd

Synonyms for rag

Antonyms for rag

Related Words

Word Forms

• rags
• ragging
• ragged

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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