Rag meaning

What does “rag” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“rag” is a noun and verb with 11 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a small piece of cloth or paper.

rag

a small piece of cloth or paper
Synonymsshred tag tag end tatter
a week at British universities during which side-shows and processions of floats are organized to raise money for charities
Synonymsrag week
music with a syncopated melody (usually for the piano)
Synonymsragtime
newspaper with half-size pages
Synonymstabloid sheet
a boisterous practical joke (especially by college students)

treat cruelly
“The children tormented the stuttering teacher”
Synonymstorment bedevil crucify dun frustrate
cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
“Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me”
“It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves”
Synonymsannoy get to bother get at irritate rile nark nettle
play in ragtime
“rag that old tune”
harass with persistent criticism or carping
“The children teased the new teacher”
“Don't ride me so hard over my failure”
Synonymstease razz cod tantalize tantalise bait taunt twit
censure severely or angrily
“The mother scolded the child for entering a stranger's car”
“The deputy ragged the Prime Minister”
Synonymscall on the carpet take to task rebuke trounce lecture reprimand jaw dress down
break into lumps before sorting
“rag ore”

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University