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
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.
The two are joined by Bella's dad, Home Secretary Suri Sharma, and an apparent Syrian arms dealer. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025 Copeland's dad, Micky, had been killed in a car wreck that March, just as the world shut down because of the covid pandemic. Sheila Yount, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025 The charity is named in honor of Scot’s dad, Pearl, who died at the age of 54 because of heart problems. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 May 2025 Mickey, a junior second baseman who’s excelling in his first season as a varsity starter for the Vikings, was thrilled to help his dad finally get over that hump. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dad

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dad. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

dad

noun
informal

More from Merriam-Webster on dad

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!