Word of the day: Rake

Rake meaning: Today’s word of the day is 'rake', a simple English word with a surprising range of meanings and uses, from gardening to idioms and even historical slang.

Word of the Day: Rake - Definition and Meaning Explained

At its most basic, rake refers to a long‑handled gardening tool with a row of prongs or teeth used for gathering leaves, hay, or grass, or for smoothing and breaking up soil.

As a verb, rake can mean to gather together or clear with a rake, such as raking leaves into a pile or raking soil smooth.


But it doesn’t stop there: rake can also be used figuratively. For example, in phrases like “rake in money,” it means to earn a lot of money quickly.

Another figurative use is rake up, meaning to bring something to light or revisit past issues, like when someone says a discussion raked up old complaints.

Beyond gardening, rake has even more unexpected meanings. In older literature, a rake could refer to a man who leads an immoral or reckless lifestyle, a usage that gave rise to terms like “rakehell” centuries ago.

In technical contexts, rake can mean to sweep something in a certain direction, such as gunfire raking across a field, or in nautical terms, the inclination or slope of a structure.

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How to Pronounce Rake

The word rake is pronounced /reɪk/ (“rayk”), rhyming with “make” and “take.”

Origin of the Word 'Rake'

The word rake has been in English for over a thousand years. It first appeared before the 12th century as a noun from Middle English rak(e) and Old English racu, referring to a tool for gathering up grass or straw. It is related to German Rechen and Old Norse reka, showing how early European farming culture influenced English vocabulary

Examples of How to Use Rake in Sentences

Here are some common ways rake can be used in sentences.

• She used a rake to gather leaves into a neat pile before the rain. (literal tool use)
• The company raked in profits last quarter. (figurative, earn a lot)
• He raked through his closet looking for the missing jacket. (search thoroughly)
• The gunfire raked across the field.” (sweep something with force)

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FAQs

What is the basic meaning of rake?

A tool for gathering leaves, grass, or smoothing soil.

How do you pronounce rake?

It’s pronounced /reɪk/ (“rayk”), rhymes with make.