English dictionary
fret
nounAudio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
noun
- a small bar of metal across the fingerboard of a musical instrument; when the string is stopped by a finger at the metal bar it will produce a note of the desired pitch
noun
- an ornamental pattern consisting of repeated vertical and horizontal lines (often in relief)
noun
- a spot that has been worn away by abrasion or erosion
noun
- agitation resulting from active worry
verb
- wear away or erode
verb
- remove soil or rock
verb
- cause friction
verb
- be too tight; rub or press
verb
- decorate with an interlaced design
verb
- carve a pattern into
verb
- be agitated or irritated
verb
- gnaw into; make resentful or angry
verb
- cause annoyance in
verb
- worry unnecessarily or excessively
verb
- become or make sore by or as if by rubbing
verb
- provide (a musical instrument) with frets
Example sentences
there was a simple fret at the top of the walls
don't get in a stew
he's in a sweat about exams
Rain eroded the terraces
my sweater scratches
This neckband is choking the cat
don't fret over these small details
The injustice rankled her
his resentment festered
don't fuss too much over the grandchildren — they are quite big now
fret a guitar