dad

noun

ˈdad How to pronounce dad (audio)
plural dads
Synonyms of dadnext
informal
: a male parent : father entry 1 sense 1
My mom swam and played soccer, my dad surfed, and my brother played basketball.—Shannon Griggs
Don't get me wrong, I'm a good dad who maintains a cheerful household and greets parenthood with a smile and an open heart.—Ron Harris
—often used as a name
When is Dad getting home?
Dad, can you give me a ride?

Synonyms of dad

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Examples of dad in a Sentence

Her mom and dad both said she can't go. my dad did most of the cooking for dinner because he usually got home earlier than my mom
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Iommi then released two more records with Seventh Star singer Glenn Hughes, which were both awash in blues-dad cliché. — Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026 Ferrell’s childhood exposure to Rockefeller Center is courtesy of his dad, the one and only Will Ferrell. — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 My mom coached my sister in high school, and then my dad kind of coached me growing up. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026 His dad was responsible for physically putting up the lights this year, but Berck still controls the programming side through a VPN. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dad

Word History

Etymology

probably baby talk

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dad was in 1533

Phrases Containing dad

Rhymes for dad

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Browse Nearby Words

Dacus
dad
Dada
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Cite this Entry

“Dad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dad. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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