First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1graze
verb \ˈgrāz\
grazedgraz·ing
Definition of GRAZE
intransitive verb
1
: to feed on growing herbage, attached algae, or phytoplankton
2
: to eat small portions of food throughout the day
transitive verb
1
a : to crop and eat in the field b : to feed on the herbage of
2
a : to put to graze b : to put cattle to graze on
3
: to supply herbage for the grazing of
— graze·able or graz·able \ˈgrā-zə-bəl\ adjective
— graz·er noun
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Origin of GRAZE
Middle English grasen, from Old English grasian, from græs grass
2graze
noun
3graze
verb
grazedgraz·ing
Definition of GRAZE
transitive verb
1
: to touch lightly in passing
intransitive verb
: to touch or rub against something in passing
Origin of GRAZE
perhaps from 1graze
First Known Use: 1604
4graze
noun
Definition of GRAZE
: a scraping along a surface or an abrasion made by it; especially : a superficial abrasion of the skin
First Known Use of GRAZE
1847
GRAZE Defined for Kids
1graze
verb \ˈgrāz\
grazedgraz·ing
Definition of GRAZE for Kids
1
: to eat grass <The cattle grazed.>
2
: to supply with grass or pasture <The farmer grazed the cattle.>
2graze
verb
grazedgraz·ing
Definition of GRAZE for Kids
1
: to rub lightly in passing : barely touch <The bat just grazed the ball.>
2
: to scrape by rubbing against something <… one of the long spikes grazed his shoulder, ripping his robes … — J. K. Rowling, Goblet of Fire>
3graze
noun
Definition of GRAZE for Kids
: a scrape or mark caused by scraping against something
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