1
a
: having no give or slack : tightly drawn
a taut rope
b
: high-strung, tense
taut nerves
2
a
: kept in proper order or condition
a taut ship
b(1)
: not loose or flabby
taut skin
(2)
: marked by economy of structure and detail
a taut story
tautly
adverb
tautness
noun
Examples of taut in a Sentence
Adjective
The rope was drawn taut.
The book is a taut thriller.
Recent Examples on the Web
Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
When what was once taut becomes looser, thinner, and a bit wrinkled, the best crepey-skin treatments will give your skin a smoother, tighter appearance (with consistent use as directed by the brand, of course).
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 8 Feb. 2025
Edward Berger’s deft direction proves taut, smart and subversive, as Roman whispers drive this robe and dagger drama forward with force.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025
The pool’s wintertime cover, taut and sturdy, has not been removed in summer.
—John McPhee, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for taut
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.
Adjective
Instead, the director’s latest delivers a taut, empathetic drama that captures the stressful realities nurses face.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
When what was once taut becomes looser, thinner, and a bit wrinkled, the best crepey-skin treatments will give your skin a smoother, tighter appearance (with consistent use as directed by the brand, of course).
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 8 Feb. 2025
Edward Berger’s deft direction proves taut, smart and subversive, as Roman whispers drive this robe and dagger drama forward with force.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025
The pool’s wintertime cover, taut and sturdy, has not been removed in summer.
—John McPhee, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for taut
Articles Related to taut
Cite this Entry
“Taut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taut. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share