1
: torn into shreds : ragged
a tattered flag
2
a
: broken down : dilapidated
… decaying houses along tattered paved streets.—
P. B. Martin
P. B. Martin
b
: being in a shattered condition
led their tattered party to victory
3
: wearing ragged clothes
a tattered barefoot boy
Examples of tattered in a Sentence
a pile of old tattered books
arrived at the shelter tattered and exhausted
Recent Examples on the Web
Worn Washcloths or Towels Go through all your linens in the bathroom, and discard any that are old, stained, tattered, or smell weird.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
But its tattered economy remains its Achilles’ heel.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
In the evening, place your bait near a pile of wood or rubble and cover it with newspaper or a tattered cardboard box.
—Chad Mason, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026
On May 16 came a bright pink ballgown complete with an oversized bow and a tattered hoop skirt.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tattered
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Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
But its tattered economy remains its Achilles’ heel.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
In the evening, place your bait near a pile of wood or rubble and cover it with newspaper or a tattered cardboard box.
—Chad Mason, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026
On May 16 came a bright pink ballgown complete with an oversized bow and a tattered hoop skirt.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tattered
Cite this Entry
“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tattered. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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