1
: a small or insignificant amount or degree : bit
might give him some water and a tad to eatC. T. Walker
2
: a small child
especially : boy
Phrases
a tad
: somewhat, rather
looked a tad bigger than meLarry Hodgson

Examples of tad in a Sentence

there's more than just a tad of hyperbole in the critics' praise for the promising young pianist grandfather never tires of telling us about the days when he was just a tad
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.
Although, the fact that 50 of the Conservatives’ own MPs failed to vote for the motion is a tad embarrassing. Matt Slater, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 If that was any indication, the reception at the Kaseya Center might be a tad warmer than Butler — and some of the Heat media corps — may anticipate. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 Fujifilm This snapper is just a tad larger than the X100 VI, but gets a sensor that's roughly four times bigger. New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2025 Chisholm may be right that he’s been a tad unlucky. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tad

Word History

Etymology

probably from English dialect, toad, from Middle English tode — more at toad

First Known Use

circa 1877, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tad was circa 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Tad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tad. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

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