What does target mean?
A target is something chosen as the object of an aim, effort, or action. It may be a physical object used in practice, such as a marked board, or an abstract standard such as a sales goal, a deadline, or a level of performance. As a verb, target means to direct an action toward a particular person, issue, place, or outcome: a program may target low-income households, or a speech may target a specific criticism. The word often suggests deliberate selection and focused attention, which can be neutral, as in a research target, or somewhat adversarial, as in the target of political criticism. It is common in public policy, business, sport, education, military language, and everyday speech. Because a target identifies what someone is aiming toward, it also commonly implies comparison, intention, and a measurable or clearly defined objective.
An object, person, place, standard, or goal selected as the object of an aim, effort, or action.
"The team reached its sales target ahead of schedule."
The abstract senses, such as a numerical or strategic goal, are especially common in business, education, and public policy.
To aim at, focus on, or deliberately select someone or something for attention, criticism, assistance, or action.
"The program aims to target families that lack access to affordable childcare."
Target usually conveys purposeful selection or focused action and may suggest a strategic, clinical, or adversarial approach depending on context.
The standard plural of the noun is targets.
"The researchers established several measurable targets for the project."
A target began as a shield-like object marked to be struck, so its modern meaning still carries the idea of something deliberately singled out for attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of target
The word entered Middle English through Old French targe, meaning a shield or an object marked for striking, from Italian targa and ultimately Vulgar Latin targa. The original sense referred to a shield or similar object used as a target. Its modern senses—first an object aimed at and later a goal to be achieved—developed from that earlier idea of something deliberately singled out. The English word targe is a cognate preserving the older shield sense.
Related word forms
How target is actually used
The word is neutral in most contexts, although phrases involving a target audience or target market can sound deliberately strategic or commercial. As a verb, target often implies focused or purposeful treatment rather than incidental involvement.