How Do You Spell TIGER?

Pronunciation: [tˈa͡ɪɡə] (IPA)

The word "tiger" is spelled as /ˈtaɪɡər/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first sound is a voiceless alveolar affricate, represented by /t/. The second sound is a diphthong, comprised of /aɪ/, which represents the vowel sound in "eye", and /ɡ/, the voiced velar stop. The final sound is a voiced alveolar approximant, represented by /ər/. Overall, the spelling of "tiger" closely matches its pronunciation, making it a relatively easy word for English language learners to master.

TIGER Meaning and Definition

  1. A tiger is a large, powerful carnivorous mammal that belongs to the feline family, Panthera tigris. Characterized by its distinctive fur pattern consisting of dark vertical stripes on a reddish-orange or yellowish background, the tiger is widely recognized as one of the most iconic and visually appealing animals on Earth.

    Typically found in dense forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps across Asia, tigers are solitary creatures known for their stealth, strength, and agility. They possess muscular bodies, strong forelimbs, and sharp retractable claws that enable them to climb trees, swim proficiently, and capture their prey with great precision. Tigers primarily feed on large ungulates such as deer, wild boar, and cattle, but they are opportunistic hunters that can also consume smaller animals when necessary.

    Due to habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade, many species of tigers have become endangered or critically endangered, with only a few thousand individuals remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts have been initiated worldwide to protect and restore tiger populations, with national parks and wildlife reserves playing a crucial role in their preservation.

    Symbolically, the tiger holds great significance across various cultures, representing power, courage, and nobility. In mythology and folklore, tigers are often depicted as majestic and fearsome beings, commanding respect and admiration.

  2. A fierce rapacious animal of Asia of the feline family, nearly as large as a lion; a servant in livery who rides with his master or mistress.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for TIGER *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for TIGER

Etymology of TIGER

The word "tiger" has an interesting etymology. It ultimately derives from the Latin word "tigris", which originated from the Greek word "tigris" or "tirgis". The Greek word, in turn, came from an eastern Iranian language, possibly Avestan, where it was "tigr". However, the precise origin of the word in its earliest form is uncertain and disputed among scholars.

The Persian language played a significant role in spreading the term. From Avestan, it passed into Old Persian as "tigra", which then became "tigr" in Middle Persian. This term was borrowed by various languages, such as Arabic, Turkish, and Armenian. European languages later borrowed the word directly from Persian, likely through contact during the time of the Islamic conquests.

Idioms with the word TIGER

  • a tiger in your tank The idiom "a tiger in your tank" means to have a strong, powerful, or aggressive energy or attitude. It originates from a slogan used by Esso (now ExxonMobil) in the 1960s to promote their high-octane gasoline. The tiger represented the power and energy that their fuel provided for vehicles, thus implying that having their gas in your tank would make you fierce and bold.
  • have a tiger by the tail The idiom "have a tiger by the tail" means to be in a situation or have a problem that is difficult to control or manage, often leading to negative consequences or challenges. It refers to being in a precarious or dangerous position, akin to trying to control a wild and unpredictable animal like a tiger.
  • a paper tiger The idiom "a paper tiger" refers to someone or something that appears powerful, threatening, or dangerous, but actually lacks the strength, influence, or ability to accomplish what they claim or imply. It suggests that the supposed threat or danger is weak, superficial, or easily overcome when challenged or closely examined.
  • He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount. The idiom "He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount" is typically used to describe a situation where someone is stuck in a dangerous or challenging position and is afraid or hesitant to cease their involvement. It implies that the person has taken on a task or situation that has become difficult to control or manage, and they are now afraid of the potential consequences that may arise if they try to extricate themselves from it. Similar to riding a literal tiger, it signifies that one is caught in a risky situation and feels no option but to continue despite the risks associated with it.
  • tiger juice "Tiger juice" is a colloquial term used to refer to energy drinks or any type of high-caffeine beverage that provides a boost of energy.
  • tiger sweat

Similar spelling words for TIGER

Plural form of TIGER is TIGERS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: