First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1tug
verb \ˈtəg\
: to pull something with a quick, forceful movement
tuggedtug·ging
Full Definition of TUG
intransitive verb
1
: to pull hard
2
: to struggle in opposition : contend
3
: to exert oneself laboriously : labor
transitive verb
1
: to pull or strain hard at
3
: to tow with a tugboat
— tug·ger noun
See tug defined for English-language learners
See tug defined for kids
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Origin of TUG
Middle English tuggen; akin to Old English togian to pull — more at tow
2tug
noun
: an act of pulling on something : a quick pull
: a strong pulling force
Full Definition of TUG
1
2
a : an act or instance of tugging : pull b : a strong pulling force
3
a : a straining effort b : a struggle between two people or opposite forces
4
: tugboat
See tug defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TUG
15th century
TUG Defined for Kids
1tug
verb \ˈtəg\
tuggedtug·ging
Definition of TUG for Kids
1
: to pull hard <I tugged at the rope.>
2
: to move by pulling hard : drag
3
: to tow with a tugboat
2tug
noun
Definition of TUG for Kids
1
: an act of pulling hard : a hard pull <She gave him a tug.>
2
: tugboat
3
: a strong pulling force <the tug of gravity>
4
: a struggle between two people or forces
Medical Dictionary
tug
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