Tent Meaning
/tɛnt/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA pavilion or portable lodge consisting of skins, canvas, or some strong cloth, stretched and sustained by poles, used for sheltering people from the weather.
nounThe representation of a tent used as a bearing.
Sentence Examples
The bear began tearing at the tent.
Dark as it was, we managed to find our way back to our tent.
They set up their large camping tent near the quiet river.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
We stayed overnight in a large ____ made of waterproof fabric while camping in the forest.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We set up our small ____ in a peaceful spot by the river and prepared to spend the night under the stars today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English tente, borrowed from Old French tente, from Vulgar Latin *tenta (“tent”), from the feminine of Latin tentus, ptp. of tendere (“to stretch, extend”), or contracted from *tendita as an alternate past participle. Displaced native Middle English tild, tilt (“tent, tilt”), from Old English teld (“tent”). Compare Spanish tienda (“store, shop; tent”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A splendid tent was erected on the brae north of the town, and round that the countless congregation assembled."
— 1824, James Hogg, The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner:
"[…] feeling his erection making a tent in his pants."
— 2013, Nathan Lapointe, A Strange New World:
"Lo ! lo ! my frend , take tent to this womman"
— a. 1451, John Lydgate, The Prohemy of a Marriage betwixt and Olde Man and a Yonge Wife, and the Counsail &c.:
"A-pon þe feild his fader went
And soght abel wit al his tent"
— a. 1300, anonymous author, Cursor Mundi:
"I'll tent him to the quick."
— c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii]:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
We stayed overnight in a large ____ made of waterproof fabric while camping in the forest.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We set up our small ____ in a peaceful spot by the river and prepared to spend the night under the stars today.