tallow

1 of 2

noun

tal·​low ˈta-(ˌ)lō 

: the white nearly tasteless solid rendered fat of cattle and sheep used chiefly in soap, candles, and lubricants

tallowy

ˈta-lə-wē 

adjective

tallow

2 of 2

verb

tallowed; tallowing; tallows

transitive verb

: to grease or smear with tallow

Examples of tallow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The tallow also has a faintly fatty, beefy scent, which isn’t the most appealing to be around. —Daisy Jones, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024

Like any ingredient derived from animals, beef tallow brings up ethical concerns surrounding animal welfare and the environmental impact of sourcing and processing it. —Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 3 Dec. 2024

People with dry skin might get the most benefit from using tallow. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024

And that tallow does pop, giving the tortilla a distinct unctuousness that’s easy to obsess over. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English talgh, talow; akin to Middle Dutch talch tallow

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tallow

noun

tal·​low

ˈtal-ō

: the solid fat of cattle and sheep used chiefly in soap, candles, and lubricants

Medical Definition

tallow

noun

tal·​low ˈtal-(ˌ)ō, -ə(-w) 

: the white nearly tasteless solid rendered fat of cattle and sheep which is used chiefly in soap, margarine, candles, and lubricants and of which the form obtained from domestic sheep (Ovis aries) is used in pharmacy in ointments and cerates