definitions

ragging

[ rag-ing ]
/ ˈræg ɪŋ /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR ragging ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Metalworking.

(in the rolls of a rolling mill) corrugations affording a grip on a piece being roughed.

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RELATED WORDS

admonition, censure, rebuke, banter, quip, laugh, joke, bother, tease, pretend, delude, taunt, scoff, lampoon, deride, scorn, mock, humiliate, belittle, ridicule

Nearby words

ragged edge, ragged jacket, ragged robin, ragged school, raggedy, ragging, raggle, raggle-taggle, ragi, raglan, raglan sleeve

Origin of ragging

rag3 + -ing1

Definition for ragging (2 of 4)

rag

2
[ rag ]
/ ræg /
Informal.

verb (used with object), ragged, rag·ging.

to scold.
to subject to a teasing, especially in an intense or prolonged way (often followed by on): Some of the boys were ragging on him about his haircut.
British. to torment with jokes; play crude practical jokes on.

noun

British. an act of ragging.

Origin of rag

2
First recorded in 1790–1800; origin uncertain

Definition for ragging (3 of 4)

rag

3
[ rag ]
/ ræg /

verb (used with object), ragged, rag·ging.

to break up (lumps of ore) for sorting.

Origin of rag

3
First recorded in 1870–75; origin uncertain

Definition for ragging (4 of 4)

rag

4
[ rag ]
/ ræg /

noun

a musical composition in ragtime: a piano rag.

verb (used with object), ragged, rag·ging.

to play (music) in ragtime.

Origin of rag

4
First recorded in 1895–1900; shortened form of ragtime
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ragging

British Dictionary definitions for ragging (1 of 4)

rag

1
/ (ræɡ) /

noun

See also rags

Word Origin for rag

C14: probably back formation from ragged, from Old English raggig; related to Old Norse rögg tuft

British Dictionary definitions for ragging (2 of 4)

rag

2
/ (ræɡ) /

verb rags, ragging or ragged (tr)

to draw attention facetiously and persistently to the shortcomings or alleged shortcomings of (a person)
British to play rough practical jokes on

noun

British a boisterous practical joke, esp one on a fellow student
(in British universities)
  1. a period, usually a week, in which various events are organized to raise money for charity, including a procession of decorated floats and tableaux
  2. (as modifier)rag day

Word Origin for rag

C18: of uncertain origin

British Dictionary definitions for ragging (3 of 4)

rag

3
/ (ræɡ) jazz /

noun

a piece of ragtime music

verb rags, ragging or ragged

(tr) to compose or perform in ragtime

Word Origin for rag

C20: shortened from ragtime

British Dictionary definitions for ragging (4 of 4)

rag

4
/ (ræɡ) /

noun

a roofing slate that is rough on one side

Word Origin for rag

C13: of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Idioms and Phrases with ragging

rag

In addition to the idiom beginning with rag

  • rag doll

also see:

  • chew the fat (rag)
  • from rags to riches
  • glad rags
  • run ragged
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.