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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.
And this toddler galaxy is throwing quite the tantrum. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 21 Nov. 2025 From smart speakers that soothe toddlers to apps that tell parents how to handle tantrums, technology has slipped into the heart of family life. Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 18 Nov. 2025 Vanderbilt making fun of Brian Kelly’s postgame tantrums? Pete Sampson, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2025 The young girl was screaming and kicking during the mid-air tantrum, and she can be seen hitting Lee several times with her feet. Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 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 26 Nov. 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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