tatter

1 of 2

verb

tat·​ter ˈta-tər 

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  plural : tattered clothing : rags

Synonyms of tatter

Verb

• tear
• rip

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

So where did Ransom’s tattered cozy knit end up after filming wrapped? — Ale Russian, PEOPLE.com, 26 Dec. 2019

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

On Saturday morning, those hopes lay in tatters. — James Pearce, New York Times, 1 June 2026

Did Hamilton’s candor help salvage a political career in tatters? — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 June 2026

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

Rhymes for tatter

• atter
• batter
• blatter
• catarrh
• chatter
• clatter
• fatter
• flatter
• hatter
• latter
• matter
• natter

Kids Definition

tatter

noun

tat·​ter

ˈtat-ər

1

: a part torn and left hanging : shred

2

plural : tattered clothing : rags

tatter verb