sag
Sag (verb) means to sink or bend downward in the middle from weight or pressure. Example: “The old bookshelf began to sag under the weight of the encyclopedias.”
How to use sag
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo droop, sink, or bend downward — or, figuratively, to lose strength or enthusiasm.
Word forms
sagged past tense, sags plural, sags singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old bookshelf began to _____ under the weight of the encyclopedias.
Etymology
From Middle English saggen, likely borrowed from a Scandinavian source related to Old Norse sokkva ("to sink").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “sag” mean?
The word “sag” means to sink or bend downward in the middle from weight or pressure. In plain terms, to droop, sink, or bend downward — or, figuratively, to lose strength or enthusiasm.
How do you pronounce “sag”?
“Sag” is pronounced sag (/sæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sag” in a sentence?
Here is “sag” used in a sentence: “The old bookshelf began to sag under the weight of the encyclopedias.”
What part of speech is “sag”?
Depending on how it is used, “sag” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “sag” come from?
The word “sag” comes from Middle English. From Middle English saggen, likely borrowed from a Scandinavian source related to Old Norse sokkva ("to sink").
Is “sag” a common word?
“Sag” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “sag” have?
“Sag” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to sink or bend downward in the middle from weight or pressure.