nag

Everyday

1. To keep asking or telling someone to do something in an annoying way. tree →
2. To keep worrying or hurting you a little: a nagging doubt, a nagging pain. tree →
3. (noun, informal) A person who nags. tree →
4. (noun, informal) An old or weak horse. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life children say parents «nag» them about homework or tidying up. In stories a «nagging feeling» tells the reader that a character suspects something is wrong. Phrases: nag someone to do something, nag at, a nagging feeling, a nagging cough.

Examples

• Mum keeps nagging me to tidy my room. tree →
• Stop nagging! I'll do it in a minute. tree →
• I had a nagging feeling I'd forgotten something. tree →
• He had a nagging cough for weeks. tree →
• My sister nagged Dad until he bought ice cream. tree →
• The farmer's old nag could barely pull the cart. tree →
• Don't be such a nag. tree →
• A nagging thought kept me awake. tree →

Note

Verb doubles the g: nagged, nagging. Adjective: nagging. «Nag» as a horse is informal and a bit unkind. Similar: pester, badger, go on at (UK).