# tapered

/ˈteɪpɝd/ (US) · /tˈeɪpəd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tapered
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

becoming thinner or narrower at one end. You use this to describe things like pants that get tight at the ankles or a candle that is wider at the bottom.

For teachers: gradually narrowing toward one end. Often used to describe physical objects, garments, or geometric shapes.

## Examples

- The candle has a tapered shape.
- He prefers wearing tapered trousers because they look more modern and fit better around the ankles.
- The architect designed the skyscraper with a tapered profile to reduce the impact of wind loads at higher altitudes while maintaining a wide, stable base.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a participial adjective; typically placed before the noun it modifies or after a linking verb.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.