tantrum

noun

tan·​trum ˈtan-trəm How to pronounce tantrum (audio)
: 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.
That means chaotic mornings, trying to get everyone in your house dressed, fed, and out the door—preferably without any tantrums along the way. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025 Daniil Medvedev’s latest tantrum on the tennis court has proven to be a costly one. Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Threw a bit of a tantrum by lying down on a table behind the bench. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 Centered on Liam and Noel, Oasis also became known for on-stage temper tantrums and fractious breakups, the last in 2009. Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2025.

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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