rack

noun
UK: /ræk/
US: /ræk/

  1. A frame or shelf used to hold things.

    1. I put my coat on the rack near the door. [ ] [ ]
    2. The mechanic placed the tools on a rack for easy access during the repair. [ ] [ ]

  2. A framework for torturing people by stretching their bodies.

    1. The prisoner was threatened with the rack if he didn't confess. [ ] [ ]
    2. Historical accounts detail the use of the rack to extract confessions from suspected criminals. [ ] [ ]

  3. A set of antlers on a male deer.

    1. The hunter admired the impressive rack on the buck. [ ] [ ]
    2. Wildlife photographers often try to capture images of deer with large rack. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

strain framework shelf stretch torture
rack verb

  1. To cause physical or mental pain and suffering.

    1. The flu really racked my body with aches. [ ] [ ]
    2. Guilt racked his conscience after he lied to his friend about the money. [ ] [ ]

  2. To place something on a rack.

    1. Rack the pool balls before starting the game. [ ] [ ]
    2. He racked the clean dishes to allow them to air dry effectively. [ ] [ ]

  3. To strain or stretch something to the limit.

    1. The company's losses racked the business to the breaking point. [ ] [ ]
    2. Mountaineering can rack your muscles and test your endurance limits. [ ] [ ]
rack phrasal-verb

  1. To search something thoroughly.

    1. She racked her brain to remember the name of the song. [ ] [ ]
    2. Detectives racked their brains for clues, determined to solve the complex case. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "rack" in English means: A frame or shelf used to hold things., A framework for torturing people by stretching their bodies., A set of antlers on a male deer..

The phonetic transcription of "rack" is /ræk/ in British English and /ræk/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "rack": strain, framework, shelf, stretch, torture.

Example usage of "rack": "I put my coat on the rack near the door.". More examples on the page.