First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1raw
adjective \ˈrȯ\
: not cooked
: in a natural state : not treated or prepared
: not yet organized or changed in any way
raw·er \ˈrȯ(-ə)r\ raw·est \ˈrȯ-əst\
Full Definition of RAW
1
: not cooked
2
a (1) : being in or nearly in the natural state : not processed or purified <raw fibers> <raw sewage> (2) : not diluted or blended <raw spirits> b : unprepared or imperfectly prepared for use c : not being in polished, finished, or processed form <raw data> <a raw draft of a thesis>
3
a (1) : having the surface abraded or chafed (2) : very irritated <a raw sore throat> b : lacking covering : naked c : not protected : susceptible to hurt <raw emotions>
4
5
: disagreeably damp or cold <a raw winter day>
— raw·ly adverb
— raw·ness noun
See raw defined for English-language learners
See raw defined for kids
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Origin of RAW
Middle English, from Old English hrēaw; akin to Old High German hrō raw, Latin crudus raw, cruor blood, Greek kreas flesh
Synonym Discussion of RAW
rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement. rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy <rude behavior>. rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness <rough manners>. crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive <a crude joke>. raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished <turning raw youths into polished performers>.
2raw
noun
Definition of RAW
: a raw place or state
— in the raw
1
: in a natural, unrefined, or crude state
2
: naked <slept in the raw>
See raw defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RAW
1823
Related to RAW
- Synonyms
- altogether, bareness, birthday suit, bottomlessness, buff, nakedness, nude, nudity
RAW Defined for Kids
raw
adjective \ˈrȯ\
raw·erraw·est
Definition of RAW for Kids
1
: not cooked <raw fish>
2
: having the skin scraped or roughened <She had raw red hands.>
3
: being in or nearly in the natural state : not treated or prepared <raw sewage>
4
: not trained or experienced <raw recruits>
5
: unpleasantly damp or cold <a raw day>
6
: lacking a normal or usual finish <the raw edge of a seam>
— raw·ness noun
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