tart
Tart (adj) means having a sharp, sour taste. Example: “The lemon sauce was pleasantly tart.”
How to use tart
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a sour taste, or a small open pastry — the third meaning (an insult toward women) is dated and offensive, best avoided.
Using "tart" to describe a woman is old-fashioned slang and can come across as sexist; stick to the food and taste senses.
Word forms
tarter comparative, tarted past tense, tarts plural, tarts plural, Tarts plural, tarts singular, tartest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The lemon sauce was pleasantly _____.
Etymology
From Old English teart, meaning sharp or severe, going back to a Germanic root related to "tear."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tart
See all rhymes for tart →Frequently asked questions
What does “tart” mean?
The word “tart” means having a sharp, sour taste. In plain terms, either a sour taste, or a small open pastry — the third meaning (an insult toward women) is dated and offensive, best avoided.
How do you pronounce “tart”?
“Tart” is pronounced taht (/tɑɹt/ in IPA).
How do you use “tart” in a sentence?
Here is “tart” used in a sentence: “The lemon sauce was pleasantly tart.”
What part of speech is “tart”?
Depending on how it is used, “tart” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “tart” come from?
The word “tart” comes from Old English. From Old English teart, meaning sharp or severe, going back to a Germanic root related to "tear.".
Is “tart” a common word?
“Tart” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tart” have?
“Tart” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a sharp, sour taste.