tag question

noun

|Updated on: 28 May 2018

Definition of tag question

: a question (such as isn't it in "it's fine, isn't it?") added to a statement or command (as to gain the assent of or challenge the person addressed); also : a sentence ending in a tag question

See tag question defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of tag question from the Web

There's something lovely about how the Brits end their sentences with tag questions, isn't there?

— CBS News, "America and England, separated by a common language," 13 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tag question.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tag question

1933

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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TAG QUESTION Defined for English Language Learners

tag question

noun

Definition of tag question for English Language Learners

grammar : a brief question (such as “don't you?” in “You know him, don't you?”) that comes at the end of a statement usually to ask if the statement is correct