nag
1 Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to find fault or complain in an irritating, wearisome, or relentless manner (often followed byat ).
If they start nagging at each other, I'm going home.
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to cause pain, discomfort, distress, depression, etc. (often followed byat ).
This headache has been nagging at me all day.
noun
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Also a person who nags, especially habitually.
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an act or instance of nagging.
His constant nagging finally got the best of me and I lost my temper.
noun
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an old, inferior, or worthless horse.
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Slang. any horse, especially a racehorse.
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a small riding horse or pony.
verb
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to scold or annoy constantly
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to be a constant source of discomfort or worry (to)
toothache nagged him all day
noun
noun
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derogatory a horse
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a small riding horse
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of nag1
First recorded in 1820–30; from Old Norse nagga “to rub, grumble, quarrel”; akin to Middle Low German naggen “to irritate”; see gnaw
Origin of nag2
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English nag(ge); connected with Dutch neg(ge) “small horse,” of obscure origin; said to be akin to neigh
Explanation
When you ask for something over and over AND over again, you are nagging. If you nag your parents long enough, they'll either give in and get you a puppy, or simply refuse any pets at all — not even a goldfish. When you nag someone, you complain and pester them. Your teacher might nag you about a late assignment, or you might nag your friend to give you back the sweater he borrowed. A thought or worry can also nag you, simply by staying in your thoughts. The word nag meant "gnaw" before the 1820s, from a Scandinavian root.
Vocabulary lists containing nag
Essential Three-Letter Words, Part 3
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Popcorn
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I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Bhashini ensures India's linguistic and cultural representation by building India-specific AI models rather than relying on global platforms," says Amitabh Nag, CEO of Digital India, Bhashini Division.
From BBC • Aug. 11, 2025
“Amazon’s seeing an artifact of that phenomenon affecting their growth rate,” Nag said.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 19, 2023
The work which is expected to begin at Aswan shortly will be continued at Esna Nag Hamadi and Assiout, where other hydro-electric stations will be built.
From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2023
Today, when I burn Nag Champa incense, my eyes water — and not just from the smoke.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2022
Nag rubbed out the knots in Cora’s hands.
From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
