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
1
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 notesIn 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.
Synonyms
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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.
