plural dads
informal
: a male parent : father entry 1 sense 1
My mom swam and played soccer, my dad surfed, and my brother played basketball.Shannon Griggs
Don't get me wrong, I'm a good dad who maintains a cheerful household and greets parenthood with a smile and an open heart.Ron Harris
often used as a name
When is Dad getting home?
Dad, can you give me a ride?

Examples of dad in a Sentence

Her mom and dad both said she can't go. my dad did most of the cooking for dinner because he usually got home earlier than my mom
Recent Examples on the Web Torrez expected his dad, a career prosecutor, to offer some tips about preparing evidence or addressing the jury. Clare Duffy, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 In September 2022, Sarah opened up about how her dad Eugene had been adjusting to being a first-time grandfather in an interview with Babe by HATCH. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 After a particularly nasty fight with her dad, Lily tries to find him on Facebook and connects instead with a middle-aged contractor who happens to have the same name. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2024 Avalanche coach Jared Bednar has lots of options, tough decisions ahead after flurry of trades Valeri Nichushkin expected to return for Avalanche after missing nearly two months Keeler: New Nuggets president’s dad changed Denver sports history by bringing John Elway to Broncos. Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Alex Rodriguez was in total dad mode at Olivia Rodrigo’s concert Wednesday night (March 6). Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2024 Jennifer Crumbley testified that her son was messing around and had an ongoing joke with his dad that the house was haunted, and that ghosts nicknamed Veronica and Boris lived there. Gina Kaufman, Detroit Free Press, 7 Mar. 2024 Abu-Rayyan, 29, grew up working nights and weekends at his dad’s Detroit pizza shop, taking orders, delivering pies. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 Last week, the dad of two shared a sweet photo on his Instagram capturing the moment his son Ben joined him on set of his Bravo show. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dad.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably baby talk

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dad was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near dad

Cite this Entry

“Dad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dad. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on dad

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