tug
verb (used with object)
to pull at with force, vigor, or effort.
tugged
-
past participleof tug.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof tug.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
tugverb (used with object)to pull at with force, vigor, or effort.
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.
One decision tugged at another, and by the time I checked out, dinner had become rigatoni with chicken, spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce.
From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026
Farmers in tractors tugged water cisterns and aimed hoses at the blaze.
From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026
The Acme plunged into a ditch in Ohio and was tugged out by a passing trolley.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026
The image of a fluffy white dog cowering in a corner tugged on heartstrings across the globe.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2026
Chip tugged on Katherine’s arm and Jonah’s sweatshirt.
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
