rasp

1 of 3

verb

ˈrasp How to pronounce rasp (audio)
rasped; rasping; rasps
Synonyms of rasp

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
ˈra-spiŋ-lē How to pronounce rasp (audio)
adverb

rasp

2 of 3

noun (1)

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

rasper

3 of 3

noun (2)

rasp·​er
ˈra-spər
plural -s
: one that rasps: such as
a
: an instrument or machine for rasping (as a file for removing the black surface from a burnt loaf of bread, a grater for beetroot or potatoes, a sawmill for reducing dyewoods to powder)
b
: one that smooths something (as of metal or wood) with a rasp
c
: a rasping fence

Synonyms of rasp

Relevance

Verb

Noun (1)

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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 (1) 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
The voice was faint and rasping, like the sound of pebbles raked by a wave. — Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 Thrips have rasping, sucking mouthparts. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
Kirbi, that rasp is so beautiful at the top of your register. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2025 None of this would land without the heroic voice acting of Pamela Adlon, who subtly dials up his boyish vocal fry into the rasp of a grown man. — Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 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 (1)

circa 1512, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rasp was in the 14th century

Rhymes for rasp

See All Rhymes for rasp

Browse Nearby Words

rasorite
rasp
raspa
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rasp. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rasp

1 of 2 verb
ˈrasp How to pronounce rasp (audio)
1
: to rub with or as if with a rough file
rasp off a rough edge
2
: irritate sense 1
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

Nglish: Translation of rasp for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rasp

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