tatter

1 of 2

verb

tat·​ter ˈta-tər How to pronounce tatter (audio)
tattered; tattering; tatters

transitive verb

: to make ragged

intransitive verb

: to become ragged

tatter

2 of 2

noun

1
: a part torn and left hanging : shred
2
tatters ˈta-tərz How to pronounce tatter (audio) plural : tattered clothing : rags

Examples of tatter in a Sentence

Verb the little boy tattered that blanket beyond repair by repeatedly yanking on it
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Dangerous Toys’ tattered sway made these Austin, Texas rockers an appealing spin for fans whose appetite for destruction had yet to be satiated. Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 29 May 2020 Most of the fabric was worn, torn or tattered, and the bits that were still in good condition were too small to use for other projects. Alisha McDarris, Popular Science, 3 Apr. 2020
Noun
Smith’s office is now consigned to assess the tatters in which the court’s ruling has left its prosecution and determine, like a homeowner after a tornado has touched down, what can be salvaged. Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 1 July 2024 Rourke himself approached the street at this hour in suave array and manic tatters. John Ganz, Harper's Magazine, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for tatter 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tatter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse tǫturr tatter; akin to Old English tætteca rag, Old High German zotta matted hair, tuft

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tatter was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near tatter

Cite this Entry

“Tatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tatter. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

tatter

noun
tat·​ter
ˈtat-ər
1
: a part torn and left hanging : shred
2
plural : tattered clothing : rags
tatter verb

More from Merriam-Webster on tatter

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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