1
: a usually large receptacle for holding, transporting, or storing liquids (such as water or fuel)
2
: an enclosed heavily armed and armored combat vehicle that moves on tracks
3
: tank top
5
: a prison cell or enclosure used especially for receiving prisoners
see also in the tank
tanked; tanking; tanks
1
: to make no effort to win : lose intentionally
tanked the match
2
: to place, store, or treat in a tank
1
: to lose intentionally : give up in competition
2
: to suffer rapid decline, failure, or collapse
bought a stock that quickly tanked
Examples of tank in a Sentence
Verb
Some people say she deliberately tanked the match.
Some people have accused her of tanking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Jean shorts, relaxed long jeans, terry cloth mini shorts, tube tops and tanks with crochet and beading details are part of the women’s assortment.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
The commissioner also acknowledged the fines could be followed by the revocation of draft picks from tanking teams.
—Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tank
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Noun
The broader package includes Boeing P8I Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft for its navy, anti-tank mines for its ground forces, and upgrades to its Soviet-era T-72 tanks and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Jean shorts, relaxed long jeans, terry cloth mini shorts, tube tops and tanks with crochet and beading details are part of the women’s assortment.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
The commissioner also acknowledged that the fines could conceivably be followed by the revocation of draft picks from tanking teams.
—Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
The commissioner also acknowledged the fines could be followed by the revocation of draft picks from tanking teams.
—Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tank
Cite this Entry
“Tank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tank. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tank
1 of 2 noun1
: a usually large container for holding, transporting, or storing liquids
2
: an enclosed heavily armed and armored combat vehicle that moves on beltlike tracks
tank
2 of 2 verb
: to place, store, or treat in a tank
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