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
5
: a prison cell or enclosure used especially for receiving prisoners
see also in the tank
tanked; tanking; tanks
1
: to make no effort to win : lose intentionally
tanked the match
2
: to place, store, or treat in a tank
1
: to lose intentionally : give up in competition
2
: to suffer rapid decline, failure, or collapse
bought a stock that quickly tanked
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
Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Ukrainian servicemen operate a tank on a road near the border with Russia, in the Sumy region of Ukraine, on August 14, 2024.
—Chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2025
Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 15 Dec. 2025
The last time Palo Alto mentioned a pricey acquisition, the stock tanked as well.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tank
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.
Noun
Due to the warehouse storing fuel and gas tanks, an evacuation of the building was carried out following the incident, Secretary of Security for the State of Mexico Cristóbal Castañeda said, the AP reported.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Ukrainian servicemen operate a tank on a road near the border with Russia, in the Sumy region of Ukraine, on August 14, 2024.
—Chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
However, a handful of House conservatives have threatened to tank the bill, saying offshore wind could benefit from the reforms, which would thwart the administration’s crackdown on renewables.
—Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 15 Dec. 2025
The last time Palo Alto mentioned a pricey acquisition, the stock tanked as well.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tank
Cite this Entry
“Tank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tank. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tank
1 of 2 noun1
: a usually large container for holding, transporting, or storing liquids
2
: an enclosed heavily armed and armored combat vehicle that moves on beltlike tracks
tank
2 of 2 verb
: to place, store, or treat in a tank
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share