verb
tarry
TA-ree
Tarry (verb) means (literary) To stay somewhere longer than planned, or to delay leaving. Example: “They tarried by the river long after the sun had set.”
verb
1
(literary) To stay somewhere longer than planned, or to delay leaving.
"They tarried by the river long after the sun had set."
"Don't tarry — we need to leave before the storm arrives."
How to use tarry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo linger or delay somewhere, rather than moving on.
When to use it
Old-fashioned or literary — you'll see it in older texts and poetic writing more than everyday speech.
Common pairings
tarry awhile
don't tarry
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Word forms
- Plural
- tarries
- Third person singular
- tarries
- Past tense
- tarried
- Comparative
- tarrier
- Superlative
- tarriest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't _____ — we need to leave before the storm arrives.
Etymology
From Middle English tarien, from an Old English word meaning to vex or provoke; the sense shifted over time to "linger."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for tarry
See all rhymes for tarry →Frequently asked questions
What does “tarry” mean?
The word “tarry” means (literary) To stay somewhere longer than planned, or to delay leaving. In plain terms, to linger or delay somewhere, rather than moving on.
How do you pronounce “tarry”?
“Tarry” is pronounced TA-ree (/ˈtæ.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “tarry” in a sentence?
Here is “tarry” used in a sentence: “Don't tarry — we need to leave before the storm arrives.”
What is another word for “tarry”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tarry” include abide, eld, linger, stay and wait.
What is the opposite of “tarry”?
The opposite of “tarry” — its antonyms — are go and leave.
What part of speech is “tarry”?
“Tarry” is a verb.
Where does the word “tarry” come from?
The word “tarry” comes from Old English. From Middle English tarien, from an Old English word meaning to vex or provoke; the sense shifted over time to "linger.".
