noun
tyke
tyk
Tyke (noun) means a small child, especially a lively or mischievous one. Example: “The little tyke had smeared jam all over the sofa.”
noun
1
A small child, especially a lively or mischievous one.
"The little tyke had smeared jam all over the sofa."
"She laughed at the tyke's attempt to help with the dishes."
2
A mongrel or scruffy dog.
"A scrappy little tyke followed them home from the park."
3
British informal: a person from Yorkshire.
"He's a proud Yorkshire tyke through and through."
How to use tyke
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cheeky small child (the common modern use), or, in British dialect, a Yorkshire person.
When to use it
Informal and usually affectionate rather than critical.
Common pairings
a cheeky tyke
a little tyke
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Word forms
- Plural
- tykes
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The little _____ had smeared jam all over the sofa.
Etymology
From an Old Norse word for a female dog, later broadening in English to mean a mongrel and then, affectionately, a small child.
Related words
Rhymes for tyke
See all rhymes for tyke →Frequently asked questions
What does “tyke” mean?
The word “tyke” means a small child, especially a lively or mischievous one. In plain terms, a cheeky small child (the common modern use), or, in British dialect, a Yorkshire person.
How do you pronounce “tyke”?
“Tyke” is pronounced tyk (/taɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “tyke” in a sentence?
Here is “tyke” used in a sentence: “The little tyke had smeared jam all over the sofa.”
What is another word for “tyke”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tyke” include ankle-biter, nipper and tot.
What part of speech is “tyke”?
“Tyke” is a noun.
Where does the word “tyke” come from?
The word “tyke” comes from Old Norse. From an Old Norse word for a female dog, later broadening in English to mean a mongrel and then, affectionately, a small child.
How many meanings does “tyke” have?
“Tyke” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small child, especially a lively or mischievous one.
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