1
: the letter t
2
: something shaped like a capital T
3
informal : t-shirt
wearing a cotton tee
4
: a mark aimed at in various games (such as curling)
see also:

tee

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
a
: a small mound or a peg on which a golf ball is placed before being struck at the beginning of play on a hole
b
: a device for holding a football in position for kicking
c
: an adjustable post on which a ball is placed for batting (as in T-ball)
2
: the area from which a golf ball is struck at the beginning of play on a hole

tee

3 of 3

verb

teed; teeing

transitive verb

: to place (a ball) on a tee
often used with up

Examples of tee in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The scalloped trim along the front pockets is an unexpected detail that sets them apart from a standard pair of pants, while the relaxed silhouette is still easy to style with sweaters, tees, and button-downs. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026 There are ladies in opera coats and tiaras, as well as the likes of Michelle Obama—in a sculptural Diotima gown—and Tom Ford designer Haider Ackermann, wearing a tee from the merch stand. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
With complete uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf and whether the circuit will even exist in 2027, the question of where LIV players tee it up next year remains top of mind. Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Five months from now, there could be as many as five ex-LIV players teeing it up at the season opener in California. ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tee

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

circa 1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tee was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tee. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: the letter t
2
: something shaped like a capital T
3
informal : t-shirt

tee

2 of 3 noun
1
a
: a small peg on which a golf ball is set to be struck
b
: an adjustable post on which a ball is placed for batting (as in T-ball)
2
: the area from which a golf ball is struck in starting play on a hole

tee

3 of 3 verb
teed; teeing
: to place on a tee
teed up the ball
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!