to delay or be late in going somewhere or doing something, to stay somewhere for a short time

tar and feather, tarred with the same brush, tarred and feathered

tarry-eyed, tarry coat, tarry stool

Formal and Informal Expressions of tarry

In different contexts, you can replace 'tarry' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'delay, procrastinate' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'hang around, stick around' is a commonplace synonym.

tarry: Explore its Definition & Usage

tarry Definition

1to delay or be late in going somewhere or doing something
2to stay somewhere for a short time

Using tarry: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tarry" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Don't tarry too long or you'll miss the train.
Example
I tarried at the park for a while before heading home.
Example
She tarried in the store to browse the merchandise.
Example
Let's not tarry any longer and get started on the project.

tarry Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tarry

Antonyms for tarry

Idioms Using tarry

tar and feather
to punish or publicly humiliate someone by covering them in hot tar and feathers
Example
In the past, people would tar and feather those who were accused of crimes or wrongdoing.
tarred with the same brush
to be unfairly associated with others who share similar characteristics or traits
Example
Just because one employee was caught stealing doesn't mean we're all tarred with the same brush.
tarred and feathered
to be publicly humiliated or punished, often by a mob, by being covered in hot tar and feathers
Example
The thief was caught and tarred and feathered by an angry mob.

Phrases with tarry

tarry-eyed
having red or bloodshot eyes due to lack of sleep or excessive drinking
Example
He looked tarry-eyed after staying up all night to finish his paper.
tarry coat
a coat made of tarred canvas or other waterproof material
Example
The sailors wore tarry coats to protect themselves from the rain and sea spray.
tarry stool
a dark, sticky stool that may indicate internal bleeding in the digestive tract
Example
If you notice tarry stools, seek medical attention immediately.

Origins of tarry

from Middle English 'tarie(n)', meaning 'to delay, tarry', from Old English 'tergan'

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Summary: tarry in Brief

'Tarry' [ˈtæri] means to delay or be late in going somewhere or doing something, or to stay somewhere for a short time. It is often used in phrases like 'Don't tarry too long or you'll miss the train.' and idioms like 'tar and feather,' which means to publicly humiliate someone by covering them in hot tar and feathers. 'Tarry' can also refer to physical objects like 'tarry coat,' a waterproof coat made of tarred canvas.