nag

1
[ nag ]
/ næg /

verb (used with object), nagged, nag·ging.

to annoy by persistent faultfinding, complaints, or demands.
to keep in a state of troubled awareness or anxiety, as a recurrent pain or problem: She had certain misgivings that nagged her.

verb (used without object), nagged, nag·ging.

to find fault or complain in an irritating, wearisome, or relentless manner (often followed by at): If they start nagging at each other, I'm going home.
to cause pain, discomfort, distress, depression, etc. (often followed by at): This headache has been nagging at me all day.

noun

Also nagger. a person who nags, especially habitually.
an act or instance of nagging.

Origin of nag

1
1815–25; < Old Norse nagga to rub, grumble, quarrel; akin to Middle Low German naggen to irritate. See gnaw

OTHER WORDS FROM nag

un·nagged, adjective

Definition for nag (2 of 2)

nag 2
[ nag ]
/ næg /

noun

an old, inferior, or worthless horse.
Slang. any horse, especially a racehorse.
a small riding horse or pony.

Origin of nag

2
1350–1400; late Middle English nagge; connected with Dutch neg(ge) small horse, itself attested late and of obscure origin; said to be akin to neigh

Example sentences from the Web for nag

British Dictionary definitions for nag (1 of 2)

nag 1
/ (næɡ) /

verb nags, nagging or nagged

to scold or annoy constantly
(when intr, often foll by at) to be a constant source of discomfort or worry (to) toothache nagged him all day

noun

a person, esp a woman, who nags

Derived forms of nag

nagger, noun naggingly, adverb

Word Origin for nag

C19: of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish nagga to gnaw, irritate, German nagen

British Dictionary definitions for nag (2 of 2)

nag 2
/ (næɡ) /

noun

often derogatory a horse
a small riding horse

Word Origin for nag

C14: of Germanic origin; related to neigh