tad

¹

[tad]

noun

Informal.

1. a small child, especially a boy.

2. a very small amount or degree; bit.

   Please shift your chair a tad to the right. The frosting could use a tad more vanilla.

Tad

²

[tad]

noun

1. a male given name, form of Thaddeus or Theodore.

tad

/ tæd /

noun

1. a small boy; lad

2. a small bit or piece

3. a little; rather

   she may be a tad short but she got a top modelling job

Word History and Origins

Origin of tad¹

1875–80, tad for def. 1; 1935–40, tad for def. 2; perhaps shortening of tadpole

Word History and Origins

Origin of tad¹

C20: short for _tadpole

Example Sentences

While such an effect is highly unlikely and would probably be a tad disconcerting, Ms Mansfield says polynucleotides are forging the way when it comes to regenerative skincare.

Read more on BBC

The family dynamics are well drawn, though a tad overdone.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Desperately poor, but at least O'Neill improved matters a tad.

Read more on BBC

Trani, between Barletta and Bari, is known as the most beautiful town in this part of Puglia, thanks to the local white limestone marked by a tad of pink.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When UC Dad said 12, Lyons responded, “Oooof. A tad young but do you have pics? I have pics from when mine was 15,” according to the indictment.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• babe 
• chick 
• child 
• kid 
• toddler 
• youngster