/greɪt/; /greɪt/ (US)

Definitions

1. verb

to make a rough or gritty surface on something, especially by scratching or rubbing

“The cheese grater was used to grate the cheddar cheese.”

2. noun

a surface with many small openings, used for shredding food, especially cheese or carrots

“She used the grater to shred the carrots for her salad.”

3. verb

to have a strong and often unpleasant effect on someone

“The news grates on me every time I see it in the paper.”

4. verb

to rub against something, causing it to produce a rough or gritty surface

“The stone grates against the metal as it moves.”

5. verb

to annoy or irritate someone

“The noise grates on my nerves.”