Taut

/tɔːt/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

stretched or pulled tight; not slack.

The taut rope held firm as the young climber ascended the cliff.

having no give or slack, tense.

His taut facial muscles showed the stress he was under.

clear and concise; not loose or wordy.

The playwright's taut dialogue drove the plot forward without unnecessary filler.

Middle English 'tawt', from Old Norse 'tætr', related to German 'zatt'.

taut as a drum

Very tense or tight.

a taut line

A line that is pulled tight, with no slack.

tight

Having no slack; firmly held in place.

tense

Stretched tight; strained or anxious.

In excellent shape; very fit.

Ever since he started going to the gym, that guy is looking really taut.

Nervous or on edge.

She's been taut all day with the stress of the project.