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, adjectiveWords nearby nag
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, adverbWord 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