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noun A1 Beginner Very common

dad

dad
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Dad (noun) means a father; an informal, affectionate word for one's male parent. Example: “Dad is making pancakes for breakfast, so come downstairs before they get cold.”

noun
1
A father; an informal, affectionate word for one's male parent.
"Dad is making pancakes for breakfast, so come downstairs before they get cold."
"My dad taught me how to ride a bike."
"She still calls her dad every Sunday."
"His dad was always there for him."

How to use dad

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn informal, warm word for "father," used from childhood into adulthood.

When to use it

Informal — "father" is the more formal equivalent.

Common pairings
dad joke my dad like father, like son
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Word forms

Plural
dads
Third person singular
dads
Past tense
dadded
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is making pancakes for breakfast, so come downstairs before they get cold.

Etymology

Recorded in English from around 1500, likely from a child's early speech sounds — many unrelated languages have similar "da/ta" words for father, suggesting the word arose independently from baby babble rather than being inherited from one source.

· First attested 1500

Class of 1500 dad joined the language around 1500.
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See the full Class of 1500 →

Synonyms

View more →
father daddy papa pop pa pops dada pappa

Antonyms

mom mum mam

Related words

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Frequently asked questions

What does “dad” mean?
The word “dad” means a father; an informal, affectionate word for one's male parent. In plain terms, an informal, warm word for "father," used from childhood into adulthood.
How do you pronounce “dad”?
“Dad” is pronounced dad (/dæd/ in IPA).
How do you use “dad” in a sentence?
Here is “dad” used in a sentence: “My dad taught me how to ride a bike.”
What part of speech is “dad”?
“Dad” is a noun.
Where does the word “dad” come from?
The word “dad” dates back to around 1500.
Is “dad” a common word?
“Dad” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'dad' and 'father'?
Both refer to a male parent, but they differ in tone. 'Father' is formal and neutral, common in official or serious contexts. 'Dad' is warm and informal, the word most people actually use when speaking to or about their own father. 'Dad' signals closeness; 'father' signals distance or formality.
Is 'dad' formal or informal?
'Dad' is informal and affectionate. You would use it in everyday speech, cards, and casual writing, but not usually in formal documents, where 'father' is preferred. Its friendly tone is exactly why it feels natural at home yet slightly out of place in official settings.
What are some other words for 'dad'?
Common alternatives include 'daddy', typically used by young children, and 'papa', 'pa', 'pop', or 'pops', which vary by region and generation. More formal is 'father', while playful terms like 'old man' appear in casual speech. Each carries its own level of warmth and formality.

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