drag
drag
Drag (verb) means to pull something heavy along a surface, often with effort. Example: “The fox tried to drag the bin bag across the muddy lawn.”
verb
1
To pull something heavy along a surface, often with effort.
"The fox tried to drag the bin bag across the muddy lawn."
"They dragged the sofa across the room."
"He dragged his feet on the way to school."
2
To insult or criticize someone sharply, often publicly (informal).
"Commenters dragged the restaurant online after the terrible service."
"Please don't drag me in front of everyone for one small mistake."
"Fans dragged the celebrity online for the comment."
noun
1
A resisting force that slows down something moving through air or liquid.
"Cyclists crouch low to reduce drag as they race down the hill."
"A smooth body shape cuts the drag on a swimmer moving through water."
"The parachute creates drag to slow the fall."
2
Something tedious or annoying.
"Filling in these forms every month is a real drag."
"It's a drag that the bus only comes once an hour."
"Waiting in that line was such a drag."
3
Elaborate, exaggerated clothing of the opposite gender worn for performance, especially by drag queens and kings.
"He spent hours on his wig and makeup for the drag show."
"The festival included a lively drag performance with sparkling costumes and music."
"She performs in drag every weekend at the club."
How to use drag
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pull something with effort, or (as a noun) something boring, a resisting force, or performance clothing worn across gender lines.
Common mistake
"Drag" (criticize online) is current slang — keep it out of formal writing.
Common pairings
drag someone
in drag
a real drag
drag and drop
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Word forms
- Plural
- drags
- Third person singular
- drags
- Past tense
- dragged, drug
- Comparative
- more drag
- Superlative
- most drag
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fox tried to _____ the bin bag across the muddy lawn.
Etymology
From Old English dragan and Old Norse draga, both meaning "to draw or pull," from a common Proto-Germanic root.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for drag
See all rhymes for drag →Frequently asked questions
What does “drag” mean?
The word “drag” means to pull something heavy along a surface, often with effort. In plain terms, to pull something with effort, or (as a noun) something boring, a resisting force, or performance clothing worn across gender lines.
How do you pronounce “drag”?
“Drag” is pronounced drag (/dɹæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “drag” in a sentence?
Here is “drag” used in a sentence: “They dragged the sofa across the room.”
What is another word for “drag”?
Words with a similar meaning to “drag” include draw, hale, lug, tug and schlep.
What is the opposite of “drag”?
The opposite of “drag” — its antonyms — are leave, push and rest.
What part of speech is “drag”?
Depending on how it is used, “drag” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “drag” come from?
The word “drag” comes from Old English. From Old English dragan and Old Norse draga, both meaning "to draw or pull," from a common Proto-Germanic root.
Is “drag” a common word?
“Drag” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'drag' and 'pull'?
Both mean to move something toward you, but 'drag' specifically means to pull something heavy along a surface, usually with effort and friction. You can pull a light door open, but you drag a heavy box across the floor.
Is the past tense of 'drag' 'dragged' or 'drug'?
The standard past tense of 'drag' is 'dragged,' as in 'she dragged the chair over.' 'Drug' is a nonstandard dialect form heard in some regions but avoided in careful and formal writing.
What is the difference between 'drag' and 'lug'?
Both involve moving something heavy, but 'drag' means pulling it along a surface, while 'lug' means carrying or hauling it, often lifted off the ground. You drag a sack across the yard but lug it up the stairs.
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