rasped; rasping; rasps
1
: to rub with something rough
specifically
: to abrade with a rasp
2
: to grate upon : irritate
3
: to utter in a raspy tone
rasper
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
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
Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
For a short time, the line rasped, smoking, through the chocks.
—Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2025
Her strong, confident country voice shone through immediately in her performance of this Judds song, with just enough rasp to really give it some edge.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rasp
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Verb
Cody Gapko struck the post three times — once with a deflected cross, twice with rasping drives — while Senne Lammens saved Alexander Isak’s shot with an outstretched right foot.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
For a short time, the line rasped, smoking, through the chocks.
—Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
Kirbi, that rasp is so beautiful at the top of your register.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2025
Her strong, confident country voice shone through immediately in her performance of this Judds song, with just enough rasp to really give it some edge.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rasp
Cite this Entry
“Rasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rasp. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rasp
1 of 2 verb1
: to rub with or as if with a rough file
rasp off a rough edge
2
3
: to speak or say in an irritated tone
4
: to make a harsh grating sound
rasp
2 of 2 noun1
: a coarse file with cutting points instead of lines
2
: a rasping sound or sensation
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