noun

tantrum

TAN-truhm

noun

A sudden outburst of bad temper, especially a childish one.

"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 notes

In 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

tantrummed past tense, tantrumed past tense, tantrums plural, tantrums singular

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The toddler threw a _____ in the middle of the supermarket.

First recorded as "tanterum"; its earlier origins are unknown.