# drag

/ˈdɹæɡ/ (US) · /dɹˈæɡ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drag
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. to pull along

verb · CEFR B1

to pull something along the ground, usually because it is heavy or difficult to move.

For teachers: to pull something along a surface with effort or difficulty. Transitive, requiring a direct object.

- He had to drag the heavy suitcase across the room because the wheels were broken.
- The workers had to drag the fallen timber through the thick mud to reach the clearing before the storm intensified.

Usage: Often used with 'along', 'across', or 'through'.

### 2. to move slowly

verb · CEFR B2

to move or happen very slowly in a way that feels boring.

For teachers: to proceed heavily or laboriously; to seem to pass very slowly due to boredom or lack of interest.

- The meeting started to drag after the first two hours of talking.
- The afternoon dragged as we waited for the final results to be announced, with every minute feeling like an hour.

### 3. computing

verb · CEFR B1

to move something on a computer screen by holding down the mouse button.

For teachers: to move an icon or window on a graphical user interface by clicking and holding the pointer device.

- Just drag the file into the folder to save it.
- You can drag the selected text to the new document window to copy it instantly without using the keyboard.

### 4. to insult

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

to say mean things about someone or point out their mistakes in public.

For teachers: to criticize someone harshly or mock them, often in a public or social media context.

- People on the internet started to drag the actor for his rude comments.
- The comedian was dragged on social media for several days after his controversial set went viral.

### 5. something boring

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

something or someone that is boring, annoying, or makes progress difficult.

For teachers: a person or thing that is tedious or a hindrance to progress.

- Having to work on a Saturday is such a drag.
- The constant administrative delays proved to be a real drag on the project's overall momentum.

### 6. air resistance

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the force of air or water that slows down a moving object.

For teachers: the resistive force exerted by a fluid, such as air or water, acting in opposition to the motion of an object.

- The car's shape is designed to reduce drag and save fuel.
- Engineers modified the aircraft's wingtips to minimize induced drag and improve overall aerodynamic efficiency.

### 7. performance costume

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

clothing usually worn by the opposite sex, often for a show or performance.

For teachers: the practice of dressing in clothing typically associated with the opposite sex, especially for theatrical or entertainment purposes.

- He performed in drag at the local club every Friday night.
- The history of drag as an art form is deeply rooted in theatrical traditions and LGBTQ+ culture.

### 8. a puff

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

one act of breathing in smoke from a cigarette.

For teachers: an act of inhaling smoke from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.

- He took a long drag on his cigarette before answering the question.
- She paused for a final drag before crushing the cigarette out in the overflowing ashtray.

## Examples

- Doing homework on a sunny day is a drag.
- It's such a drag having to commute for two hours every single day.
- While he appreciated the necessity of the weekly status meetings, their repetitive and unproductive nature was an undeniable drag on his morale and creativity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.