tattered

adjective

tat·​tered ˈta-tərd How to pronounce tattered (audio)
Synonyms of tatterednext
1
: torn into shreds : ragged
a tattered flag
2
a
: broken down : dilapidated
… decaying houses along tattered paved streets.P. B. Martin
b
: being in a shattered condition
led their tattered party to victory
3
: wearing ragged clothes
a tattered barefoot boy

Synonyms of tattered

Examples of tattered in a Sentence

a pile of old tattered books arrived at the shelter tattered and exhausted
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was a phone book, camera film canisters, metal pins, the tattered remains of a baseball cap and an orange t-shirt with the outline of a giant thumbs up. Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 His main challenge will be to overcome Starmer's inability to deliver promised economic growth, repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living. ABC News, 27 June 2026 Tying an Italian surname to the Outfit has become a tattered badge of honor in the antiquated newsroom of certain outlets with truth thrown to the curb. Gary Grasso, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 On the other hand, Dunaway and her tart-talking sidekick, Brenda Vaccaro, seem to be having the time of their lives as mistresses of the shades of darkness (their ramshackle abode is a funhouse Ghost Train ride festooned with skeletons, spiders and tattered netting). Arthur Knight, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tattered

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of tattered was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tattered. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

tattered

adjective
tat·​tered ˈtat-ərd How to pronounce tattered (audio)
1
: wearing ragged clothes
a tattered barefoot child
2
: torn in shreds : ragged
a tattered flag

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