tug

American  

[tuhg] / tʌg /

verb (used with object)

tugged, tugging

1. to pull at with force, vigor, or effort.

   Synonyms:

   wrench, jerk, yank

2. to move by pulling forcibly; drag; haul.

3. to tow (a vessel) by means of a tugboat.

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verb (used without object)

tugged, tugging

1. to pull with force or effort.

   to tug at a stuck drawer.

2. to strive hard; labor; toil.

noun

1. an act or instance of tugging; pull; haul.

2. a strenuous contest between opposing forces, groups, or persons; struggle.

   the tug of young minds in a seminar.

3. tugboat.

4. that by which something is tugged, as a rope or chain.

5. (on a harness)

   1. trace.

   2. any of various supporting or pulling parts.

tug British  

/ tʌɡ /

verb

1. to pull or drag with sharp or powerful movements

   the boy tugged at the door handle

2. (tr) to tow (a vessel) by means of a tug

3. (intr) to work; toil

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noun

1. a strong pull or jerk

   he gave the rope a tug

2. Also called: tugboat.   towboat.  a boat with a powerful engine, used for towing barges, ships, etc

3. a hard struggle or fight

4. a less common word for trace 2

Other Word Forms

• tugger noun
• tugless adjective
• untugged adjective

Etymology

Origin of tug

1175–1225; Middle English toggen to play-wrestle, contend; akin to Old English togian to tow ¹

Example Sentences

“Basically, it’s a tug of war,” said Mike Treacy, head of market risk at Apex Fintech Solutions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

It took a messy tug of war with RCR in the middle of the following season to secure his services for 2023.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

The media giant is in the middle of a takeover tug of war between Paramount Skydance and Netflix, and it’s anyone’s guess who will win.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

And “Best of You” had a soulful tug that reminded you that Prince famously covered the song in the rain at the Super Bowl in 2007.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026

I’m just starting to read question three when I feel a gentle tug at my sleeve.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell