grate
Grate (noun) means a metal frame of bars used to hold fuel in a fireplace, or a metal grid that lets small things pass through while blocking larger ones. Example: “She stacked logs on the grate before lighting the fire.”
How to use grate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo shred food on a grater, to make a harsh scraping noise, or (as a noun) the metal bars in a fireplace.
Don't confuse with "great" (meaning excellent) — they sound identical but are unrelated.
Word forms
more grate comparative, grated past tense, grated past tense, grates plural, grates singular, grates singular, most grate superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She stacked logs on the _____ before lighting the fire.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin crata / Latin cratis, meaning a wickerwork frame or hurdle.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for grate
See all rhymes for grate →Frequently asked questions
What does “grate” mean?
The word “grate” means a metal frame of bars used to hold fuel in a fireplace, or a metal grid that lets small things pass through while blocking larger ones. In plain terms, to shred food on a grater, to make a harsh scraping noise, or (as a noun) the metal bars in a fireplace.
How do you pronounce “grate”?
“Grate” is pronounced GRAYT (/ˈɡɹeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “grate” in a sentence?
Here is “grate” used in a sentence: “She stacked logs on the grate before lighting the fire.”
What is another word for “grate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “grate” include grill.
What part of speech is “grate”?
Depending on how it is used, “grate” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grate” come from?
The word “grate” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin crata / Latin cratis, meaning a wickerwork frame or hurdle.
How many meanings does “grate” have?
“Grate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a metal frame of bars used to hold fuel in a fireplace, or a metal grid that lets small things pass through while blocking larger ones.