tad

noun

ˈtad 

1

: a small or insignificant amount or degree : bit

… might give him some water and a tad to eat …

—C. T. Walker

2

: a small child

especially : boy

Phrases

a tad

: somewhat, rather

He looked a tad bigger than me.

—Larry Hodgson

Synonyms of tad

• bit
• little
• sprinkling
• glimmer
• splash
• hint
• shred
• speck
• touch

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

The all-electric Folgore model has even more pep, with its dual-motor powertrain making 550 hp, but is a tad slower. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2026

However, this week’s weather will feel a tad spring-like with afternoon temperatures this week easily climbing into the 70s. —Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026

Designed by Romania's Eco Tiny House, the Tiny Hogwarts is based on a double-axle trailer and has a length of 8 m (26 ft), which is by no means large but a tad roomier than most European models. —New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2026

The gradual thawing process speeds up a tad by Tuesday afternoon with the return of southerly winds. —Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 27 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for tad

• ad
• add
• bad
• brad
• cad
• clad
• dad
• fad
• gad
• glad
• grad
• had

Kids Definition

tad

noun

ˈtad 

1

: boy sense 1

2

: bit entry 2 sense 1