First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1taut
adjective \ˈtȯt\
: very tight from being pulled or stretched : not loose or slack
: firm and strong : not loose or flabby
: very tense
Full Definition of TAUT
1
a : having no give or slack : tightly drawn <a taut rope> b : high-strung, tense <taut nerves>
2
a : kept in proper order or condition <a taut ship> b (1) : not loose or flabby <taut muscles> (2) : marked by economy of structure and detail <a taut story>
— taut·ly adverb
— taut·ness noun
See taut defined for English-language learners
See taut defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TAUT
Middle English tought, perhaps from tought, toughth fierce, tough, alteration of tough tough
2taut
transitive verb
TAUT Defined for Kids
taut
adjective \ˈtȯt\
taut·ertaut·est
Definition of TAUT for Kids
1
: tightly stretched <The rope was pulled taut.>
2
: very tense <Will waited, suddenly taut with excitement. — Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising>
3
: firm and not flabby <taut muscles>
— taut·ly adverb
Learn More About TAUT
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up taut? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).