verb
nag
NAG
verb
1
To repeatedly pester or criticize someone about something, in an annoying way.
"She kept nagging him to clean his room."
"Stop nagging me about the deadline — I know it's tomorrow."
2
To trouble someone persistently, as a worry or doubt does.
"A nagging feeling told her something was wrong."
noun
1
An old or worn-out horse.
"The farmer still kept the old nag in the field long after it stopped working."
How to Use Nag
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo keep bothering someone with repeated reminders or complaints — or, as a noun, an old horse.
Common pairings
nag someone about
a nagging doubt
stop nagging
Word Forms
nagged past tense, nags plural, nags plural, nags singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “nag”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The farmer still kept the old _____ in the field long after it stopped working.
Etymology
From Middle English nagge, meaning a small horse or pony, possibly related to "neigh."