nag
1 of 3verb
ˈnag 
nagged; nagging
transitive verb
1
: to irritate by constant scolding or urging
2
: badger, worry
intransitive verb
1
: to find fault incessantly : complain
2
: to be a persistent source of annoyance or distraction
nagger noun
nag
2 of 3noun (1)
: one who nags habitually
nag
3 of 3noun (2)
: horse
especially : one that is old or in poor condition
Synonyms
Verb
- dog
- henpeck
- hound
- needle
- peck (at)
Noun (2)
- equine
- horse
- steed
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb Mom's always nagging me about my hair. All you ever do is nag. My parents are always nagging me to clean my room. He kept nagging her until she agreed to see the movie. Quit nagging! I already said I'm not going.
Word History
Etymology
Verb
probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse nagga to moan, complain
Noun (2)
Middle English nagge; akin to Dutch negge small horse
First Known Use
Verb
circa 1828, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1
Noun (1)
1925, in the meaning defined above
Noun (2)
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
nag 1 of 2
verb
ˈnag
nagged; nagging
1
: to annoy by repeated complaining, scolding, or urging
Mom nagged me to finish my homework.
2
: to annoy continually or again and again
… Mrs. Frisby could not quite get rid of a nagging worry …
Robert O'Brien, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Robert O'Brien, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMHnag
2 of 2noun
: an old and usually worn-out horse
naggers
noun
as in nitpickers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- nitpickers
- quibblers
- faultfinders
- defeatists
- objectors
- pessimists
- hypochondriacs
- kickers
- killjoys
- spoilsports
- crocks
- soreheads
- grinches
- repiners
- complainers
- whiners
- party poopers
- curmudgeons
- grumps
- murmurers
- malcontents
- gripers
- grumblers
- crabs
- sourpusses
- grousers
- grouches
- hunks
- mutterers
- croakers
- bellyachers
- fussers
- growlers
- bears
- cranks
- crosspatches
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- optimists
- Pollyannas
- happy campers