WordGarden.iotarry
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈtæ.ri/datednoun
US
- /ˈtɛri/
Meanings
Verb
to linger or stay longer than intended; to delay in acting or leaving
Adjective
like tar in color, thickness, or stickiness; coated with tar
Beyond the definition
To tarry means to stay somewhere longer than expected or to be slow to leave or act. Imagine a traveler who decides to remain in a quiet village instead of hurrying on to the next stop. They are taking their time, whether by choice, hesitation, or simple delay. You might tarry over a good meal, or someone might warn you not to tarry when an appointment is about to begin.
The word has a classic, literary feel. It often appears in older writing and drama, where it suggests waiting, lingering, or delaying for a while. For example, a speaker might say, "We shall not tarry long," to mean that the stay will be brief.
To tarry is to delay, linger, or remain somewhere for a time instead of moving on at once. The word often suggests a pause in action or progress. A person who tarries does not leave, decide, or continue as quickly as expected. Sometimes that pause is chosen, and sometimes it comes from hesitation or delay.
You might tarry over a cup of coffee, enjoying the warmth and conversation before facing the busy day ahead. A traveler might tarry in a beautiful city, drawn in by its streets and sounds. The word can also appear in a warning: "Don't tarry! We're going to miss the train!" In that kind of sentence, it means not to waste time or fall behind.
It is also worth noting that "tarry" has another, unrelated use as an adjective meaning "covered in tar" or "like tar," as in a tarry substance. As a verb, though, it is mostly used in literary, formal, or old-fashioned English rather than in everyday speech. People are more likely to say "wait," "linger," or "stay a little longer." Even so, "tarry" remains a vivid word when you want to describe a meaningful pause, a delayed departure, or a moment of lingering before the next step. So when someone stays a little too long or moves a little too slowly, this is the word that captures it neatly.
Examples
- 1
Time pressure
We can't tarry here; the museum closes at five.
- Usage
formal or literary; everyday English usually says wait, stay, or delay
- 2
Social lingering
After dinner, a few guests tarried in the garden, talking quietly.
- 3
Deadline
If you want to apply, don't tarry, because the deadline is Friday.
- 4
Delayed reply
He tarried too long before replying, and the offer went to someone else.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- tarryverbadjective
Forms
- tarriedpast tenseverbadjective
- tarrying-ing formverbadjective
- tarriesverbadjective