noun
Uncommon
tad
tad
Tad (noun) means a small amount; a little bit. Example: “Could you turn the volume down just a tad?”
noun
1
A small amount; a little bit.
"Could you lean the picture to the left just a tad more?"
"Could you turn the volume down just a tad?"
"The soup needs a tad more salt."
How to use tad
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA little bit — a small quantity or degree of something.
Common pairings
a tad too much
a tad early
just a tad
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Word forms
- Plural
- tads
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Could you turn the volume down just a _____?
Etymology
A shortening of "tadpole," first used around 1877 to mean a small child, later extended to mean a small amount.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “tad” mean?
The word “tad” means a small amount; a little bit. In plain terms, a little bit — a small quantity or degree of something.
How do you pronounce “tad”?
“Tad” is pronounced tad (/tæd/ in IPA).
How do you use “tad” in a sentence?
Here is “tad” used in a sentence: “Could you turn the volume down just a tad?”
What part of speech is “tad”?
“Tad” is a noun.
Where does the word “tad” come from?
The word “tad” dates back to around 1877. A shortening of "tadpole," first used around 1877 to mean a small child, later extended to mean a small amount.
Is “tad” a common word?
“Tad” is an uncommon word in modern English.
