rake
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for rake, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A garden tool with a row of teeth on a long handle, used to gather leaves or debris or to smooth soil.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use rake
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English raca/racu, "tool with a row of teeth", from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to straighten" — the "immoral man" sense developed separately, likely a shortening of "rakehell".
Full origin of rake →Frequently asked questions
What does “rake” mean?
The word “rake” means a garden tool with a row of teeth on a long handle, used to gather leaves or debris or to smooth soil. In plain terms, most commonly the garden tool or the act of using it — but also a slant/tilt, or (in older or literary English) a charming but disreputable man.
How do you pronounce “rake”?
“Rake” is pronounced rayk (/ɹeɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “rake” in a sentence?
Here is “rake” used in a sentence: “He leaned the rake against the shed after clearing the leaves.”
What part of speech is “rake”?
Depending on how it is used, “rake” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rake” come from?
The word “rake” comes from Old English. From Old English raca/racu, "tool with a row of teeth", from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to straighten" — the "immoral man" sense developed separately, likely a shortening of "rakehell".
Is “rake” a common word?
“Rake” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “rake” have?
“Rake” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a garden tool with a row of teeth on a long handle, used to gather leaves or debris or to smooth soil.