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Tatter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tatter

[ˈtætər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

worn cloth

A tatter is a torn piece of cloth or rag. It often refers to a fragment of fabric that is ragged or disheveled, typically resulting from wear or neglect. Tattered pieces of clothing, for instance, evoke a sense of age and use.

Synonyms

rag, scrap, shred.

Examples of usage

  • The old flag was reduced to nothing but rags and tatters.
  • He wore a coat made of tatters, its former glory long forgotten.
  • The tattered book lay forgotten in the corner of the room.
Context #2 | Verb

to wear down

To tatter means to make something worn or torn into pieces, often due to prolonged use or exposure to harsh conditions. It can describe the process of fabric becoming ragged or frayed, losing its original integrity.

Synonyms

fray, rag, shred.

Examples of usage

  • The constant use tattered the edges of the paper.
  • The dog's rough play tattered the cushions on the sofa.
  • Years of neglect had tattered the old upholstery.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'tatter'

The word 'tatter' dates back to the Middle English term 'tatteren', which means to tear or to rip. It is closely associated with the Old Norse word 'tǫttr', meaning a rag or fragment. The use of 'tatter' to describe clothing or fabrics reflects the importance of textiles in daily life, especially in historical contexts where clothing was often hand-made and could wear down over time with use. The evolution of the term relates to the human experience of wear and tear, making 'tatter' an apt descriptor for items that have lost their former quality or structure. Over time, it has also been used metaphorically to describe anything that is worn out or in a state of disrepair.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,393, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.