tad

noun

ˈtad 

1

: a small or insignificant amount or degree : bit

might give him some water and a tad to eat

—C. T. Walker

2

: a small child

especially : boy

Phrases

a tad

: somewhat, rather

looked a tad bigger than me

—Larry Hodgson

Synonyms

• ace
• bit
• crumb
• dab
• dram
• driblet
• glimmer
• hint
• lick
• little
• mite
• nip
• ounce
• particle
• peanuts
• ray
• scintilla
• scruple
• shade
• shadow
• shred
• skosh
• smack
• smell
• smidgen
• smidgeon
• smidgin
• smidge
• snap
• soupçon
• spark
• spatter
• speck
• splash
• spot
• sprinkling
• strain
• streak
• suspicion
• touch
• trace

Examples of tad in a Sentence

there's more than just a tad of hyperbole in the critics' praise for the promising young pianist

grandfather never tires of telling us about the days when he was just a tad

Recent Examples on the Web

Figures on Wednesday are expected to show Australia’s economy grew a tad in the first quarter versus the previous period, in what would be the 10th straight expansion. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 June 2024

Today Mercury is lined up with unpredictable Uranus, which is exciting but possibly a tad nerve-racking. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 30 May 2024

Given the rounded toe box, the brand recommends going a half size up to give your feet a tad more wiggle room. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024

Thou art a tad boozier, too, which makes for a less quaffable brew. —Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from English dialect, toad, from Middle English tode — more at toad

First Known Use

circa 1877, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing tad

• a tad

Kids Definition

tad

noun

ˈtad 

1

: boy sense 1

2

: bit entry 2 sense 1