1
: a small or insignificant amount or degree : bit
might give him some water and a tad to eatC. T. Walker
2
: a small child
especially : boy
Phrases
a tad
: somewhat, rather
looked a tad bigger than meLarry Hodgson

Examples of tad in a Sentence

there's more than just a tad of hyperbole in the critics' praise for the promising young pianist grandfather never tires of telling us about the days when he was just a tad
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.
Nothing at Porsche will ever have the gravitas of the 911, but the car now known as the 718 has narrowed the gap a tad over the last two generations. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025 So the numbers are a tad skewed. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 This is a particularly great opportunity to get your hands on the luxe brands that have long been on your wishlist (but were a tad bit too pricey to invest in). Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 The device uses smart technology to roam freely around your home picking up dirt, dust, pet hair, and more — leaving you to go about your daily life a tad more unburdened. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tad

Word History

Etymology

probably from English dialect, toad, from Middle English tode — more at toad

First Known Use

circa 1877, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tad was circa 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Tad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tad. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

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