English Reference

Word

dad

US/ˈdæd/

UK/dˈæd/

Definitions

01a father

A1 · Beginner Countable noun Informal

n. an informal name for a father.

n. an informal term for a male parent.

“My dad took me to the park every Saturday when I was a child.”

“After retiring from the firm, her dad spent most of his time restoring vintage motorcycles in the garage.”

Synonyms

fatherpapapop

Antonyms

mommother

02addressing a father

A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun Informal

n. a name you use when talking directly to your father.

n. a vocative used to address one's own father, often capitalized when used as a proper name.

“Can you help me with my homework, Dad?”

“I was wondering, Dad, if you might have a moment to look over the contract before I sign it.”

Usage

Capitalized when used as a proper noun without a possessive pronoun.

Teaching tip

Remind students that 'my Dad' is usually a capitalization error in modern English; it should be 'my dad' or just 'Dad'.

Synonyms

FatherPapa

03to act as a father

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal · Humorous

v. to act like a father or to look after someone like a father does.

v. to perform the duties or display the typical characteristics associated with being a father.

“He really stepped up to dad his younger siblings after their parents passed away.”

“He spent the weekend dadding hard, flipping burgers at the grill and teaching the kids how to pitch a tent in the backyard.”

Usage

Often used in the progressive form 'dadding' to describe stereotypical fatherly behavior.

Teaching tip

This verbal use is often playful or slightly ironic in modern social media contexts.

Synonyms

parentfather

Word family

NOUN

dad(A1)

Related words

mommumniecepapasire

Idioms

01. deadbeat dad

Domain

Medicine

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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