tar

//tɑːr//
B1Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of tar

Noun

tarSingular
tarsPlural
1

A thick, dark, sticky substance obtained from coal, wood, or petroleum, used for waterproofing and road surfacing.

The workers spread tar on the road to repair the cracks.

2

A similar substance formed by burning tobacco.

Cigarette filters help reduce the amount of tar inhaled by smokers.

Verb

tarInfinitive
tarPresent tense
tarredPast tense
tarredPast participle
tarringPresent participle
tarsThird-person singular
1

To cover or coat with tar.

They tarred the wooden fence to protect it from the weather.

2

To damage someone's reputation by associating them with something negative.

The scandal tarred his reputation for years.

Synonym

Noun

tarSingular
tarsPlural
1

(Informal) A sailor, especially an experienced one.

The old tar shared stories of his adventures at sea.