Definition of taunt
transitive verb
: to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at
taunter
nounPeople Are Reading
Recent Examples of taunt from the Web
-
Where society often teaches to taunt and gloat, that manager –
-
Five of the six were in an almost taunting photo provided to the Journal by Ryan’s office — Ryan, McConnell, House Ways and Means Committee chairman Kevin Brady, Senate Finance Committee chairman Orrin Hatch, and Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin.
-
Jealous classmates bullied and taunted Christopher, who responded by taking boxing lessons to learn how to defend himself.
-
The girls in my middle school who had their edges smoothly slicked down would taunt me about my textured tresses, which my mother braided the night before.
-
A 19-year-old Aurora man pleaded guilty Wednesday for his role in a 2016 shooting spurred by taunting on social media.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'taunt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of taunt
perhaps from Middle French tenter to try, tempt — more at tempt
Synonym Discussion of taunt
taunt
Definition of taunt
: a sarcastic challenge or insult
Examples of taunt in a Sentence
The boys continually taunted each other.
Recent Examples of taunt from the Web
-
But an offensive taunt at the trash-talking event has many accusing the Irish UFC star of racist behavior — again.
-
The video also showed Bonner walking around on the phone, appearing to ignore the girl's crying and the boy's taunts — happening sometimes just a few feet away from her.
-
Trump’s lack of political experience and taunts at North Korea sent many people into a state of fearful dread about the possibility of nuclear war.
-
Earlier this year, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones — who had been subject to racial taunts in a game at Fenway Park — toured the museum and made a $20,000 donation.
-
That was despite cases of anti-Semitic banners being flown by Spartak fans, including taunts aimed at rival CSKA Moscow, whose club president and then-coach are both Jewish.
-
In schools, kids are quoting Trump to bully their classmates with racist taunts.
-
Thanks to months of taunts, McGregor goaded former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo into pursuing a quick knockout in their 2015 meeting.
-
From a still-indecipherable 14th-century manuscript to spy communications to the infamous coded taunts of the Zodiac Killer, Bauer shows how experts try to crack the case.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'taunt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of taunt
circa 1527
TAUNT Defined for English Language Learners
taunt
Definition of taunt for English Language Learners
-
: to say insulting things to (someone) in order to make that person angry
TAUNT Defined for Kids
Definition of taunt for Students
taunted
;taunting
: to make fun of or say insulting things to
Learn More about taunt
-
See words that rhyme with taunt Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for taunt Spanish Central: Translation of taunt Nglish: Translation of taunt for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of taunt for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up taunt? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!