Definition of 'taut'
Word forms: tauter, tautest
1. adjective
Something that is taut is stretched very tight.
2. adjective
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word Frequency
taut in American English
adjective
1.
tightly stretched
said as of a rope2.
showing strain; tense
a taut smile
SIMILAR WORDS: tight
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Derived forms
tautly (ˈtautly)
adverb
tautness (ˈtautness)
noun
Word Frequency
taut in American English
(tɔt)
adjectiveWord forms: -er, -est
2.
emotionally or mentally strained or tense
taut nerves
3.
in good order or condition; tidy; neat
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019
by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Derived forms
tautly adverb
tautness
noun
Word origin
[1275–1325; earlier taught, ME tought; akin to tow1]Word Frequency
taut in British English
adjective
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Derived forms
tautly (ˈtautly) adverb
tautness (ˈtautness)
noun
Word origin
C14 tought; probably related to Old English togian to tow1Examples of 'taut' in a sentence
taut
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…
Trends of
taut
View usage over:
In other languages
taut
British English: taut
ADJECTIVE /tɔːt/
Something that is taut is stretched very tight.
When muscles are taut or cold there is more chance of injury or strain.
Browse alphabetically
taut
Related terms of
taut
Source
Definition of taut from the Collins English Dictionary
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
tic or tick?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
tic
tick
She developed a in her left eye.
bridal or bridle?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
bridal
bridle
The party was waiting at the house.
sauce or source?
Which version is correct?
hangar or hanger?
Which version is correct?
stake or steak?
Which version is correct?
Your score:
9 new words in Collins Dictionary
There is a scientific bent to 9 new words added to the Collins Online Dictionary, including three types of 'blot' tests, and words relating to electric vehicles.
Read more
Study guides for every stage of your learning journey
Whether you're in search of a crossword puzzle, a detailed guide to tying knots, or tips on writing the perfect college essay, Harper Reference has you covered for all your study needs.
Read more
A little bird told me… 7 animal idioms
It’s new words time at Collins Dictionary and this month we see the addition of words like fingerling, net zero and emotional support animal. This month, there were a few animal-related additions.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Join the Collins community
All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.
Read more
Updating our Usage
There are many diverse influences on the way that English is used across the world today. We look at some of the ways in which the language is changing. Read our series of blogs to find out more.
Read more
Area 51, Starship, and Harvest Moon: September’s Words in the News
I’m sure a lot of people would agree that we live in strange times. But do they have to be so strange that Area 51 is making headlines? And what’s this about fish the look like aliens. September’s Words in the News explain all.
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
pain or pane?
Which version is correct?
waist or waste?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
waist
waste
He put his arm round my .
principal or principle?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
principle
principal
It's not just a matter of .
scent or sent?
Which version is correct?
written or wrote?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
written
wrote
I have quite a lot of orchestral music.
Your score: