# taut

/ˈtɔt/ (US) · /tˈɔːt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/taut
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

stretched very tightly or pulled so that it is almost broken. You use this to describe things like ropes, skin, or even a person's face when they are very serious.

For teachers: stretched or pulled to the point of being almost broken; tight and firm. Often describes physical objects like ropes or skin, or metaphorically describes a person's expression or a situation's tension.

## Examples

- The sailor tightened the taut rope to keep the boat steady.
- The captain noticed the taut expression on the crew's faces as they prepared for the storm.
- The tension in the room was palpable, with every muscle in the audience's bodies taut as they waited for the final act to begin.

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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.