vat

1 of 3

noun

1
: a large vessel (such as a cistern, tub, or barrel) especially for holding liquors in an immature state or preparations for dyeing or tanning
2
: a liquor containing a dye converted into a soluble reduced colorless or weakly colored form that on textile material steeped in the liquor and exposed to the air is converted by oxidation to the original insoluble dye and precipitated in the fiber

vat

2 of 3

verb

vatted; vatting

transitive verb

: to put into or treat in a vat

VAT

3 of 3

abbreviation

value-added tax

Examples of vat in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Disperse, reactive and vat pigment categories, along with the raw materials for indigo, were among DyStar’s most significant purchases. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Sep. 2025 The film, a reimagining of the 1984 horror-comedy, is a raucous ride about Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage), a down-on-his-luck janitor who's transformed into a super-powered mutant after falling into a vat of chemicals. EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
After eight weeks, the liquids were vatted together and bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV). Emily Price, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Recreating 19th-century vatting techniques, navigating the intricacies of French customs regulations and ensuring the rum maintained its historical integrity were all hurdles that Gabriel and his team had to overcome. Rachel King, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for vat

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English vet, vat, southern variant of fat, fet, going back to Old English fæt, going back to Germanic *fata- (whence Old Saxon fat "vessel," Old High German faz); akin to Lithuanian púodas "pot"

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vat was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vat. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

vat

noun
ˈvat
: a large container (as a tub) especially for holding liquids in manufacturing processes

Legal Definition

VAT

noun
ˌvē-ˌā-ˈtē

More from Merriam-Webster on vat

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!