noun

tatters

TA-tuhz

Tatters (noun) means Torn scraps or shreds of cloth, paper, or similar material. Example: “His shirt was reduced to tatters after the hike through the brambles.”

noun

Torn scraps or shreds of cloth, paper, or similar material.

"His shirt was reduced to tatters after the hike through the brambles."

"The banner blew apart into tatters in the wind."

How to use tatters

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTorn shreds — almost always used in the phrase "in tatters," for something ruined or torn to pieces.

Common pairings

in tatters torn to tatters

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His shirt was reduced to _____ after the hike through the brambles.

Etymology

Related to Old English tættec, meaning a torn scrap or rag.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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tag rag shred tatter tag end

Related words

name ticket label tag bother trail sheet tear

Frequently asked questions

What does “tatters” mean?

The word “tatters” means torn scraps or shreds of cloth, paper, or similar material. In plain terms, torn shreds — almost always used in the phrase "in tatters," for something ruined or torn to pieces.

How do you pronounce “tatters”?

“Tatters” is pronounced TA-tuhz (/ˈtætɚz/ in IPA).

How do you use “tatters” in a sentence?

Here is “tatters” used in a sentence: “His shirt was reduced to tatters after the hike through the brambles.”

What part of speech is “tatters”?

“Tatters” is a noun.

Where does the word “tatters” come from?

The word “tatters” comes from Old English. Related to Old English tættec, meaning a torn scrap or rag.

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