noun
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tantrum
TAN-truhm
Tantrum (noun) means a sudden outburst of bad temper, especially a childish one. Example: “The toddler threw a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket.”
noun
1
A sudden outburst of bad temper, especially a childish one.
"Many parents become embarrassed by their children throwing tantrums in public places."
"Baby Shawn threw a tantrum when he was told the bicycle was not his."
"When he became frustrated, he threw a tantrum, and his mother would attempt to comfort him."
— Saralea E. Chazan, Simultaneous Treatment of Parent and Child (2003)
"The toddler threw a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket."
"He stormed off in a tantrum when he didn't get his way."
How to use tantrum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fit of anger or frustration, often associated with children but also used of adults acting childishly.
Common pairings
throw a tantrum
temper tantrum
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Word forms
- Plural
- tantrums
- Third person singular
- tantrums
- Past tense
- tantrummed, tantrumed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The toddler threw a _____ in the middle of the supermarket.
Etymology
First recorded as "tanterum"; its earlier origins are unknown.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “tantrum” mean?
The word “tantrum” means a sudden outburst of bad temper, especially a childish one. In plain terms, a fit of anger or frustration, often associated with children but also used of adults acting childishly.
How do you pronounce “tantrum”?
“Tantrum” is pronounced TAN-truhm (/ˈtæn.tɹəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “tantrum” in a sentence?
Here is “tantrum” used in a sentence: “The toddler threw a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket.”
What part of speech is “tantrum”?
“Tantrum” is a noun.
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