taunt
Taunt (verb) means to mock or provoke someone with insulting remarks, often to get a reaction. Example: “The fans taunted the opposing goalkeeper every time he touched the ball.”
How to use taunt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo mock someone in a way meant to provoke or wind them up, or the mocking remark itself.
Word forms
more taunt comparative, taunted past tense, taunts plural, Taunts plural, taunts singular, most taunt superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fans _____ the opposing goalkeeper every time he touched the ball.
Etymology
From Middle French tanter ("to tempt, provoke"), a variant of the word that also gave English "tempt" — the two are historical doublets.
Related words
Rhymes for taunt
See all rhymes for taunt →Frequently asked questions
What does “taunt” mean?
The word “taunt” means to mock or provoke someone with insulting remarks, often to get a reaction. In plain terms, to mock someone in a way meant to provoke or wind them up, or the mocking remark itself.
How do you pronounce “taunt”?
“Taunt” is pronounced tawnt (/tɔnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “taunt” in a sentence?
Here is “taunt” used in a sentence: “The fans taunted the opposing goalkeeper every time he touched the ball.”
What part of speech is “taunt”?
Depending on how it is used, “taunt” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “taunt” come from?
The word “taunt” comes from Middle French. From Middle French tanter ("to tempt, provoke"), a variant of the word that also gave English "tempt" — the two are historical doublets.
How many meanings does “taunt” have?
“Taunt” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to mock or provoke someone with insulting remarks, often to get a reaction.
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