tank

noun

\ˈtaŋk

Definition of tank

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a usually large receptacle for holding, transporting, or storing liquids (such as water or fuel)

2 : an enclosed heavily armed and armored combat vehicle that moves on tracks

3 : tank top

4 dialect : pond, pool especially : one built as a water supply

5 : a prison cell or enclosure used especially for receiving prisoners

in the tank or into the tank

: in or into a decline or slump the sullen student's grades went into the tank

tank

verb

tanked; tanking; tanks

Definition of tank (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to make no effort to win : lose intentionally tanked the match

2 : to place, store, or treat in a tank

intransitive verb

1 : to lose intentionally : give up in competition

2 : to suffer rapid decline, failure, or collapse bought a stock that quickly tanked

Other Words from tank Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about tank

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Examples of tank in a Sentence

Verb

Some people say she deliberately tanked the match. Some people have accused her of tanking.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Officials quickly called the bomb disposal unit to remove and dispose of the 3 inch caliber dud tank artillery shell. — Deutsche Welle, USA TODAY, "American tourist takes unexploded World War II shell to Vienna Airport," 12 July 2018 On a recent visit, Lynas technicians mixed rare earth concentrate, which looks to the untrained eye like unremarkable dirt, into chemical tanks that extract elements like lanthanum and cerium. — Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, "How Rare Earths (What?) Could Be Crucial in a U.S.-China Trade War," 11 July 2018 Neighbors reported hearing propane tanks explode, prompting responders to evacuate residents from both properties. — Julia Sclafani, sacbee, "Propane tanks explode, vintage camping trailers destroyed in Folsom fire," 11 July 2018 And since tanks connect to a regulator or mask with tubes, a diver could easily have his equipment jerked from his body. — J. Weston Phippen, Outside Online, "The Daring Rescue that Saved the Thai Soccer Team," 10 July 2018 Other offerings include an inflatable obstacle course, bungee run, and dunk tank provided by the Connecticut National Guard, in addition to family-friendly activities, music, lawn games and more. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Stafford Edition," 10 July 2018 When divers needed wetsuits, air tanks and regulators, volunteers collected hundreds more than needed. — Jake Maxwell Watts, WSJ, "The Thai Cave Rescue, Before Its Triumph, Teetered on the Brink of Disaster," 11 July 2018 During the harsh rules, authorities occasionally proclaimed martial law and other decrees that allowed them to station combat soldiers, tanks and armored vehicles on streets or at public places like schools to prevent anti-government demonstrations. — Hyung-jin Kim, The Seattle Times, "South Korea to probe military plan to quell Park protests," 10 July 2018 In the Marine Tent, kids of all ages have hands-on educational opportunities, including sea life touch tank and lobster trap building demonstrations. — Necee Regis, BostonGlobe.com, "Here, there, and everywhere," 10 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Oil prices tanked after Walker took office, exploding Alaska's budget deficit. — Becky Bohrer, Anchorage Daily News, "Former Sen. Mark Begich’s entry causes angst in Alaska governor’s race," 4 July 2018 But thanks to a tanking economy and an unexpectedly spirited performance by the opposition, the race is proving tighter than expected, both for him and his Justice and Development Party. — New York Times, "Turkey’s Election: What to Watch For," 24 June 2018 On Friday, the Dow tanked 280 points in the morning, then bounced back to close the day down just 85 points. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, "Tit-for-Tat: Trump and Xi Both Think the Other Guy is Bluffing," 16 June 2018 After the accident, her social skills tanked, but the Y job has forced her to reclaim that part of her personality. — Maureen C. Gilmer, Indianapolis Star, "A bike accident left her unable to speak, walk or eat; here's what her life looks like now," 10 June 2018 And without the water, people stopped wanting to come to the camp — so the business tanked, too. — Leah Sottile, Longreads, "Bundyville Chapter Four: The Gospel of Bundy," 18 May 2018 Idaho tanked in two of the categories, ranking 51st in child care and 48th in professional opportunities. — Nicole Blanchard, idahostatesman, "This study named Idaho the worst state for working moms. Here's why. | Idaho Statesman," 7 May 2018 An expected victory over the tanking Mavs, would also extend the Sixers’ winning streak to 14 games for the first time since Dec. 21, 1982 to Jan. 21, 1983. — Keith Pompey, Philly.com, "Sixers-Mavs preview: Brett Brown's squad looking for 50th win," 8 Apr. 2018 The Freedom Caucus is known for tanking major pieces of legislation in their bid to make policy more conservative. — Tara Golshan, Vox, "Meet the Democrat trying to unseat scandal-plagued Rep. Jim Jordan in his heavily Republican district," 11 July 2018

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