First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1tent
noun \ˈtent\
: a portable shelter that is used outdoors, is made of cloth (such as canvas or nylon), and is held up with poles and ropes
Full Definition of TENT
1
: a collapsible shelter of fabric (as nylon or canvas) stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping outdoors or as a temporary building
2
: dwelling
3
a : something that resembles a tent or that serves as a shelter; especially : a canopy or enclosure placed over the head and shoulders to retain vapors or oxygen being medically administered b : the web of a tent caterpillar
— tent·less \ˈtent-ləs\ adjective
— tent·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See tent defined for English-language learners
See tent defined for kids
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Origin of TENT
Middle English tente, from Anglo-French, from Latin tenta, feminine of tentus, past participle of tendere to stretch — more at thin
2tent
verb
Definition of TENT
intransitive verb1
: to reside for the time being : lodge
2
: to live in a tent
transitive verb
1
: to cover with or as if with a tent
2
: to lodge in tents
First Known Use of TENT
circa 1608
3tent
transitive verb
Definition of TENT
chiefly Scottish : to attend to
Origin of TENT
Middle English, from tent attention, short for attent, from Anglo-French atente, from atendre to attend
First Known Use: 14th century
TENT Defined for Kids
tent
noun \ˈtent\
Definition of TENT for Kids
: a portable shelter (as of canvas) stretched and supported by poles
Word Root of TENT
The Latin word tendere, meaning to “stretch” or “to spread,” and its form tentus give us the roots tend, tent, and tens. Words from the Latin tendere have something to do with stretching or spreading. A tent is a temporary shelter made from stretched out fabric. To distend is to stretch outward and swell in all directions. To extend is to stretch out. A tendon is a cord that connects a muscle to another muscle or to a bone and that stretches allowing a joint to bend. Something tense is stretched tight.
Medical Dictionary
tent
noun \ˈtent\
Medical Definition of TENT
: a canopy or enclosure placed over the head and shoulders to retain vapors or oxygen during medical administration
Learn More About TENT
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