rasp

1 of 2

verb

ˈrasp 

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

ˈra-spiŋ-lē 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• buff
• file
• grind
• hone
• rub
• sand

Noun

• creak
• grind
• jar
• scrape
• scratch

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

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

Villanueva has a powerful voice and a feel for Tina's growls, rasps and embellishments. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2024

Through seven presidential administrations, his edgy rasp essayed the perfect pitch of national incredulity, always with subtle phrasing and precise shading. —Isaac Butler, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2024

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

Kids Definition

rasp

1 of 2 verb

ˈrasp 

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