tallow

1 of 2

noun

tal·​low ˈta-(ˌ)lō 

: the white nearly tasteless solid rendered fat of cattle and sheep used chiefly in soap, candles, and lubricants

tallowy

ˈta-lə-wē 

adjective

tallow

2 of 2

verb

tallowed; tallowing; tallows

transitive verb

: to grease or smear with tallow

Examples of tallow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Beef tallow — a dense fat derived from cow suet sometimes used in cooking and now skin care products — has become increasingly popular of late. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 7 May 2026

Beef tallow can also cause acne, according to UT MD Anderson, and everyone’s skin reacts differently to oils, waxes and active ingredients. —Ryan Brennan may 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 May 2026

Beef tallow is rendered fat from cows, made from suet that surrounds the kidneys and other organs, according to UT MD Anderson. —Ryan Brennan may 5, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2026

Additionally, beef tallow, commonly used in soap-making, can be a lure for them. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English talgh, talow; akin to Middle Dutch talch tallow

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tallow

• callow
• hallo
• hallow
• mallow
• palo
• sallow
• shallow
• caballo
• cavallo

Kids Definition

tallow

noun

tal·​low

ˈtal-ō

: the solid fat of cattle and sheep used chiefly in soap, candles, and lubricants

Medical Definition

tallow

noun

tal·​low ˈtal-(ˌ)ō, -ə(-w) 

: the white nearly tasteless solid rendered fat of cattle and sheep which is used chiefly in soap, margarine, candles, and lubricants and of which the form obtained from domestic sheep (Ovis aries) is used in pharmacy in ointments and cerates