# rake

/ˈɹeɪk/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rake
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a garden tool with a long handle and metal or plastic teeth. You use it to pull leaves together or to make soil smooth and flat.

For teachers: a long-handled tool with a row of teeth or tines at the head, used for gathering leaves, grass, or debris and for smoothing loose soil.

## Examples

- I used a rake to gather the fallen leaves.
- After clearing the weeds, use a rake to level the soil before you plant the new seeds.
- The gardener systematically moved the rake across the lawn, creating neat piles of autumn leaves that would later be used for compost.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verb 'to' followed by the tool name as a verb ('to rake the leaves').

---

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.