tent

1 of 3

noun

ˈtent How to pronounce tent (audio)
Synonyms of tentnext
1
: a collapsible shelter of fabric (such as nylon or canvas) stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping outdoors or as a temporary building
2
: dwelling
3
a
: something that resembles a tent or that serves as a shelter
especially : a canopy or enclosure placed over the head and shoulders to retain vapors or oxygen being medically administered
b
: the web of a tent caterpillar
tentless
ˈtent-ləs How to pronounce tent (audio)
adjective
tentlike
ˈtent-ˌlīk How to pronounce tent (audio)
adjective

tent

2 of 3

verb (1)

tented; tenting; tents

intransitive verb

1
: to reside for the time being : lodge
2
: to live in a tent

transitive verb

1
: to cover with or as if with a tent
2
: to lodge in tents

tent

3 of 3

verb (2)

tented; tenting; tents

transitive verb

chiefly Scotland
: to attend to

Synonyms of tent

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Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of tent in a Sentence

Noun a huge tent was erected for the outdoor wedding reception
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.
Noun
Hold a campout and pitch a tent in the backyard for kids to sleep out under the stars. — Fiona Tapp, Parents, 5 July 2026 Spectators used tents, hats, and ice to cope with the heat, while many businesses remained busy. — Nolan Rogalski, The Providence Journal, 5 July 2026
Verb
Transfer the steaks to a serving platter and tent with foil. — Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026 When the roast is done, transfer to a carving board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. — Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tent

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tent, tente "collapsible shelter of animal skins or fabric used by nomads, shelter, dwelling," borrowed from Anglo-French tente, going back to Vulgar Latin *tenta, noun derivative from feminine of Latin tentus, tensus, past participle of tendere "to extend outward, stretch" (or from Vulgar Latin *tendita, re-formation of the participle) — more at tender entry 3

Verb (1)

derivative of tent entry 1

Verb (2)

Middle English tenten "to look after, see to, watch over," noun derivative of tent, tente "intention, purpose, heed," short for entente, intente intent entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

circa 1608, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tent was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing tent

Rhymes for tent

See All Rhymes for tent

Browse Nearby Words

ten-strike
tent
tentability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tent. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tent

1 of 2 noun
ˈtent How to pronounce tent (audio)
1
: a portable shelter (as of nylon) stretched and supported by poles
2
a
: something that resembles a tent or that serves as a shelter
especially : an enclosure placed over the head and shoulders to hold in oxygen or vapors given for medical reasons
an oxygen tent
b
: the web of a tent caterpillar

tent

2 of 2 verb
1
: to live in a tent
2
: to cover with or as if with a tent

Medical Definition

tent

noun
ˈtent How to pronounce tent (audio)
: a canopy or enclosure placed over the head and shoulders to retain vapors or oxygen during medical administration

More from Merriam-Webster on tent

Nglish: Translation of tent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tent

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