Tarry is a word with two main verbA word that shows an action, state, or occurrence. meanings and one adjectiveA word that describes a noun’s qualities or characteristics. meaning. As a verb, it can mean to stay or delay, or to leave slowly and reluctantlyIn a way that shows unwillingness or lack of enthusiasm.. As an adjective, it means having the look, feel, or qualities of tar.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈtæri/
Easy pronunciation: TAR-ee (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
Verb meaning to stay or delay; linger longer than expected.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Tarry Meaning
to linger or be slow to leave
Part of speech: verb
Definition: stay or delay; remain in one place longer than expected
Example: We tarried at the café after lunch and talked for another hour.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- linger — A direct and common substitute for staying longer than expected.
- loiter — Close in meaning, but often suggests hanging around in a way that seems idle or suspicious.
- lounge — Can fit when someone stays around casually, though it is less exact than linger.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Tarry
Meaning 2
to depart reluctantly or with delay
Part of speech: verb
Definition: leave slowly and hesitantly
Example: He tarried at the door before finally stepping outside.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- linger — Fits the sense of delaying departure, though it overlaps strongly with the first verb sense.
Meaning 3
dark, sticky, or like tar
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: having the characteristics of pitch or tar
Example: The old road had a tarry surface near the edges.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- pitchy — A direct adjective synonym for tar-like qualities.
- resinous — Can work when the meaning is sticky or resin-like, but it is less exact than pitchy.
- resiny — A close form of resinous, with a similar tar-like sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Tarry Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- linger
- loiter
- lounge
leave slowly and hesitantly
- linger
having the characteristics of pitch or tar
- pitchy
- resinous
- resiny
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using tarry as a synonym for any kind of wasting time, even when the sense is really secretive waiting, aimless movement, or general laziness.
- Mixing up the verb tarry with the adjective sense tarry, which means tar-like or pitch-like.
- Assuming tarry is a common modern everyday word in all contexts; it is somewhat literary or old-fashioned as a verb.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tarry mean?
Tarry usually means to stay longer than expected or to delay leaving. It can also mean to leave slowly and reluctantly. As an adjective, it means tar-like or pitch-like.
What are the best synonyms for tarry?
For the main verb sense, linger is the best synonym. Depending on context, loiter and lounge can also work. For the adjective sense, pitchy, resinous, and resiny are the closest matches.
Is tarry a common word?
It is understood in English, but it sounds somewhat literary or old-fashioned in everyday conversation.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.