What does dart mean?
A dart is a small, light projectile with a sharp point, designed to be thrown by hand or launched toward a target — most familiar today as the object used in the game of darts, where players aim at a circular board divided into numbered segments. By extension, 'dart' describes any swift, sudden movement: a fish darts through water, a glance darts across a room, and a stab of pain can be described as a dart. The word functions as both noun and verb, giving it unusual flexibility in everyday language. Its connotations are those of speed, precision, and directness, which makes it vivid in both literal and figurative contexts. It also appears in tailoring, where a dart is a stitched fold that shapes flat fabric around curves of the body. Compact, precise, and energetic, 'dart' remains a useful word for describing anything fast and sharply aimed.
A small pointed missile thrown by hand or shot from a weapon, especially one used in the game of darts.
"Each player took turns throwing three darts per round."
In plural, 'darts' refers specifically to the pub game.
To move suddenly and rapidly in a specified direction.
"The mouse darted behind the skirting board."
Often used of animals or quick movements such as glances.
The standard plural. 'Darts' as a singular mass noun also names the game itself.
"She kept a set of darts in the drawer."
The pub game of darts may trace its roots back to soldiers throwing shortened arrows between barrels.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dart
The word 'dart' comes to English from Old French 'dart', meaning a throwing spear or arrow, which was adopted into English in the medieval period. The French term itself derives from a Germanic source, reflecting the movement of weapons vocabulary between languages during the early medieval era. The verb form, meaning to move swiftly like a thrown dart, developed naturally from the noun through metaphorical extension.
Related word forms
How dart is actually used
As a verb, 'dart' typically suggests quickness and agility, often used of animals or of glances ('she darted him a look'). The noun also names a tapered fold sewn into clothing to shape fabric to the body.
Easily confused with dart
'Dart' is a small pointed missile or a quick movement, while 'dark' describes an absence of light.