Rack

/ræk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A framework or stand for holding or storing things.

I put my bike on the rack outside the store.

A series of shelves or stands for displaying or storing things, especially in a retail environment.

The clothes were neatly hung on the rack for customers to browse.

In a game of billiards or pool, the triangular frame used to arrange the balls at the start of the game.

He placed the billiard balls in the rack before breaking.

verb

To place something on a rack for storage or display.

Please rack the dishes after washing them.

To cause extreme physical or mental pain or distress; to torment.

The relentless pressure at work began to rack her nerves.

Middle English 'rakke', from Old Norse 'rǫkkr'.

rack and ruin

to fall into disrepair or destruction.

rack up

to accumulate or gather something, especially in large amounts.

on the rack

under severe physical or mental strain.

rack your brains

to think very hard about something.

racking

the act of causing intense suffering or strain.

racketeering

the practice of conducting illegal business activities.

racketeer

a person who engages in dishonest and illegal business activities.

A large quantity of money.

He's made a rack from his new venture.

A woman's breasts.

She has a nice rack.