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.
Internet viewers have offered their sympathies to a mom dealing with a baby and a parrot who copy each other's tantrums. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 On shaky ground The society’s standing with Trump would appear to be shaky now in light of the tantrum the president pitched last week over a three-judge federal court’s ruling against his tariffs. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025 When my daughter, 3 at the time, had a temper tantrum in the wet basement of a house we were doubled up in, my childhood friend’s husband threatened to beat her. Andie Townhouse, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s two-and-a-half seasons in capital city Riyadh have brought 93 goals in 105 matches, controversies, tantrums, and less-than-pleasant gestures to crowds but no major domestic or Asian titles. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 28 May 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 27 Jun. 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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