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.
The matter has become a tad more complicated in recent years, as UEFA and then the Premier League introduced rules saying clubs could only amortise a player’s fee to a maximum of five years. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025 Liyohon Mock-Neck Short-Sleeve Sweater For something a tad toastier this season, try this mock-neck sweater that provides a touch more coverage. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025 Things are a tad different for Charles Lee these days. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2025 This may seem a tad unorthodox. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tad. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on tad

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!