1
: a small or insignificant amount or degree : bit
might give him some water and a tad to eatC. T. Walker
2
: a small child
especially : boy
Phrases
a tad
: somewhat, rather
looked a tad bigger than meLarry Hodgson

Examples of tad in a Sentence

there's more than just a tad of hyperbole in the critics' praise for the promising young pianist grandfather never tires of telling us about the days when he was just a tad
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Smooth it through damp or dry hair from mid-lengths to ends before styling, then finish with a tad more on the tips once you're done for extra oomph. Amanda Mitchell, Allure, 16 May 2025 Its 720p, 100 lumens and 2-W audio are going to seem a tad underwhelming. Paul Ridden may 09, New Atlas, 9 May 2025 Meticulously maintained and renovated through the years, the 14-room primary dwelling features eight bedrooms and seven baths in a tad over 8,500 square feet of three-level living space boasting rich hardwood floors, high wood-beam ceilings, and several fireplaces. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 May 2025 Given the franchise’s track record when drafting in the upper reaches of the lottery, save for the most recent examples of Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball, Hornets fans are a tad apprehensive and skeptical. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tad

Word History

Etymology

probably from English dialect, toad, from Middle English tode — more at toad

First Known Use

circa 1877, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tad was circa 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tad. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on tad

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!