tallow

verb

tallowed; tallowing; tallows

transitive verb

: to grease or smear with tallow

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tallow was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tallow. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

tallow

noun
tal·​low
ˈtal-ō
: the solid fat of cattle and sheep used chiefly in soap, candles, and lubricants

Medical Definition

tallow

noun
: the white nearly tasteless solid rendered fat of cattle and sheep which is used chiefly in soap, margarine, candles, and lubricants and of which the form obtained from domestic sheep (Ovis aries) is used in pharmacy in ointments and cerates

More from Merriam-Webster on tallow

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster