Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

tat

[tat]
See more synonyms for tat on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with or without object), tat·ted, tat·ting.
  1. to do, or make by, tatting.
Show More

Origin of tat

First recorded in 1900–05; back formation from tatting

TAT

  1. Thematic Apperception Test.
Show More
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for tat

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • And they think you are resolved to break theirs: so tit for tat, Miss.

    Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)

    Samuel Richardson

  • To his uncomplicated nature the affair was still one of tit for tat.

    Fraternity

    John Galsworthy

  • The affair now had simmered down to plain temper and tit for tat.

    Desert Dust

    Edwin L. Sabin

  • Well, considering Harrison's qualifications, it might still not be tit for tat.

    Citadel

    Algirdas Jonas Budrys

  • At any rate, he turned to Cæsar, and said slowly, 'Tit for tat.

    The Hill

    Horace Annesley Vachell

British Dictionary definitions for tat

tat1

verb tats, tatting or tatted
  1. to make (something) by tatting
Show More

Word Origin

C19: of unknown origin

tat2

noun
  1. tatty articles or a tatty condition
  2. tasteless articles
  3. a tangled mass
Show More

Word Origin

C20: back formation from tatty

tat3

noun
  1. short for tattoo 2 (def. 2)
Show More

tat4

noun
  1. See tit for tat
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for tat

v.

1882, "to do tatting," back-formation from tatting.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
tat in Medicine

TAT

abbr.
  1. Thematic Apperception Test
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Idioms and Phrases with tat

tat

see tit for tat.

Show More
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.