tightwad
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of tightwad
Explanation
A tightwad is someone who avoids spending money, like a relative who wraps a piece of junk from the basement in used wrapping paper and gives it to you, even though he or she could afford to buy you a nice birthday present. The “tight” part of this word refers to “close-fisted.” It’ll help you remember the meaning of tightwad if you picture a person with his fist tightly closed around a wad of money, not giving it up for anyone or anything. A tightwad takes being merely frugal or careful with money to a whole new level. It's not that tightwads are poor; they simply hate to part with their money, even if it's just a single dollar.
Vocabulary lists containing tightwad
Merci Suárez Changes Gears
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Ear, the Eye and the Arm
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Vocabulary Video Contest (2013) - List 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
That year, tightwad Brown vetoed the entire budget.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2023
My older brother, who is in charge of the trust’s finances, is a notorious tightwad and will probably not go along with the idea.
From Slate ● Oct. 3, 2021
McCain set about establishing a conservative voting record and a reputation as a tightwad with taxpayer dollars.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 26, 2018
The tightwad mentality is partly out of necessity, since the campaign is confining operating expenses to a budget built from individual donations that cannot top $2,700 per person during the primary season.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 9, 2015
He thought a minute then said, “I haven’t been a tightwad all my life, have I?”
From "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg
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.
