tug

1 of 3

verb

tugged; tugging

intransitive verb

1
: to pull hard
2
: to struggle in opposition : contend
3
: to exert oneself laboriously : labor

transitive verb

1
: to pull or strain hard at
2
a
: to move by pulling hard : haul
b
: to carry with difficulty : lug
3
: to tow with a tugboat
tugger noun

tug

2 of 3

noun

1
a
: an act or instance of tugging : pull
b
: a strong pulling force
2
a
: a straining effort
b
: a struggle between two people or opposite forces
3
4
b
: a short leather strap or loop
c
: a rope or chain used for pulling

Tug

3 of 3

abbreviation

tugrik, tugriks

Examples of tug in a Sentence

Verb I felt someone tugging on my sleeve. She tugged the cord until the plug came out of the wall socket. Noun He felt a gentle tug on his sleeve. gave the man in front a tug on his shirtsleeve as a sign that he was supposed to step aside
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
America's beloved animals bring mourning periods Neb isn't the only animal whose death tugged at people's heartstrings. Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025 Use gentle pressure, and do not rub or tug at your lashes. Remove the cotton pad. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
Season 3 tugs a similar string by dedicating Episode 7 to two instrumental moments from Ian and Poppy’s childhood. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025 Downy’s version also acts as a fabric freshener and only requires a spritz on the fabric, plus a tug and smooth to release the wrinkles. Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tug

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English tuggen; akin to Old English togian to pull — more at tow

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tug. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

tug

1 of 2 verb
tugged; tugging
1
a
: to pull hard
b
: to move by pulling hard : drag
2
: to tow with a tugboat
tugger noun

tug

2 of 2 noun
1
a
: an act or instance of tugging : pull
b
: a strong pulling force
2
: a struggle between two people or forces
3

Medical Definition

tug

More from Merriam-Webster on tug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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