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).