tantrum

noun

tan·​trum ˈtan-trəm How to pronounce tantrum (audio)
Synonyms of tantrumnext
: a fit of bad temper

Examples of tantrum in a Sentence

had a tantrum when he found his little sister using his model paints
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Restaurant staff remember your daily orders and help divert tantrums at breakfast—worth its weight in gold. Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026 Now there’s evidence that the approach can help with tantrums. Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 2026 On the other hand, some parents thought that the frequency of the OP’s daughter’s tantrums might warrant an extra visit to the doctor’s office to be safe. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025 Most parents know the frustration of dealing with a child’s unexpected public tantrum. Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tantrum

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tantrum was in 1714

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tantrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tantrum. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

tantrum

noun
tan·​trum ˈtan-trəm How to pronounce tantrum (audio)
: a fit of bad temper

Medical Definition

tantrum

noun
tan·​trum ˈtan-trəm How to pronounce tantrum (audio)
: a fit of bad temper

More from Merriam-Webster on tantrum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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