Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

tantrum

/ˈtæn.tɹʌm/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.13 in modern English

Syllables: tantrum
IPA: /ˈtæn.tɹʌm/

9

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

An often childish display or fit of bad temper.

verb

To throw a tantrum.

Intransitive verb

Example Sentences

"Many parents become embarrassed by their children throwing tantrums in public places."
"Baby Shawn threw a tantrum when he was told the bicycle was not his."
"When he became frustrated, he threw a tantrum, and his mother would attempt to comfort him."

Etymology

From earlier tanterum. Further etymology unknown.

Usage

Intransitive verb

Inflected Forms

tantrums (plural) tantrem (alternative, obsolete) tantrums (present, singular) tantruming (participle, present) tantrumming (participle, present) tantrumed (participle, past) tantrumed (past) tantrummed (participle, past) tantrummed (past)

Derived Forms

mantrum tantrummy tantrumy tanty

Phrases

have a tantrum pitch a tantrum temper tantrum throw a tantrum have kittens lose one's temper make a scene throw one's toys out of the pram

Frequently Paired Words

huff have kittens lose one's temper make a scene throw a tantrum throw one's toys out of the pram

Synonyms

dummy spit hissy fit meltdown tantrum catfit conniption conniption fit headfit hissy melty paddy shit fit

Questions

How do you pronounce tantrum?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈtæn.tɹʌm/.
What does tantrum mean?: An often childish display or fit of bad temper.
Where does tantrum come from?: From earlier tanterum. Further etymology unknown.

How to pronounce tantrum

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “tantrum”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈtæn.tɹʌm/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “tantrum” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.