adjective
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tightly stretched; tense
-
showing nervous strain; stressed
-
nautical in good order; neat
Other Word Forms
- tautly adverb
- tautness noun
- untaut adjective
- untautly adverb
- untautness noun
Etymology
Origin of taut
1275–1325; earlier taught, Middle English tought; akin to tow 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
My wife and I were in Paris during the tragedy and a decade later, the emotional tether I feel to the city remains taut.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026
Where to watch: Not currently available Nominated for: International feature, sound What we said: “‘Sirāt’ is taut and riveting and nearly all mood.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026
“Critical Incident” is taut, disturbing, timely and a brisk hour and a half.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026
Exploring these craggy psychological contours from the perspectives of the investigators, the accused’s shocked parents, and a psychologist tasked with evaluating the boy and his parents in four taut episodes is equally impressive.
From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025
We coast a bit more until the captain drops anchor, the chain rattling out until it pulls taut.
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
