tatter

[ tat-er ]

/ ˈtæt ər /

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See synonyms for: tatter / tattered / tattering / tatters on Thesaurus.com

noun

a torn piece hanging loose from the main part, as of a garment or flag.

a separate torn piece; shred.

tatters, torn or ragged clothing: dressed in rags and tatters.

verb (used with object)

to tear or wear to tatters.

verb (used without object)

to become ragged.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of tatter

1375–1425; (noun) late Middle English <Old Norse tǫturr rag, tatter; akin to Old English tætteca rag, shred; (v.) back formation from tattered

Other definitions for tatter (2 of 2)

tatter²

[ tat-er ]

/ ˈtæt ər /

noun

a person who does tatting, especially as an occupation.

Origin of tatter

First recorded in 1880–85; tat + -er¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tatter in a sentence

She was 26 years old and her life was in tatters, her future a black cloud.
‘Clinton Inc.’ Author Dishes on Monica Lewinsky and the Blue Dress|Lloyd Grove|July 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But they may not have time with Putin challenging, Crimea invaded and an economy in tatters.
Inside The EuroMaidan’s Circle Of Trust|Jamie Dettmer|March 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Songs that the Hyades shall sing, Where flap the tatters of the King, Must die unheard in Dim Carcosa.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show|Robert W. Chambers|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“The scolloped tatters of the King in Yellow must hide Yhtill forever,” he muttered, but I do not believe Vance heard him.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show|Robert W. Chambers|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Meanwhile the economy is in tatters and the future looks damn bleak.
Egypt’s Arab Spring Gives Way To Spring Of The Patriarch|Christopher Dickey|January 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The girl could scarcely stand from weariness, and her dress clung about her, wet with the river-water and rent to tatters.
The Gold Trail|Harold Bindloss
Shattered bulwarks, ragged rents in the hulls, sails in tatters and drooping cordage told the story of the desperate battle.
Stories of Our Naval Heroes|Various
Among these wretches, almost wholly in tatters, some were seen in bizarre accoutrement.
The Pilgrim's Shell or Fergan the Quarryman|Eugne Sue
Current-accounts are drawn up on loose sheets and not in books: this is considered a real progress for books are soon in tatters.
Social Comptabilism, Cheque and Clearing Service & Proposed Law|Ernest Solvay
Tatters of its pages were blowing in the wind and she stiffened, her face growing pale.
Space Prison|Tom Godwin

British Dictionary definitions for tatter

tatter

/ (ˈtætə) /

verb

to make or become ragged or worn to shreds

noun

(plural) torn or ragged pieces, esp of material

in tatters

torn to pieces; in shreds
destroyed or ruined

Word Origin for tatter

C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic töturr rag, Old English tættec, Old High German zæter rag

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

tatter

Origin of tatter

Other definitions for tatter (2 of 2)

Origin of tatter

Words related to tatter

How to use tatter in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tatter

Word Origin for tatter