NYT Dictionary

TARMAC

/ˈtɑː(ɹ)mæk/
NounVerbTAR-mactar-mac · 2 syllablesGrade 8

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

Tarmacadam.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

Clipping of tarmacadam, which is from tar + macadam (“crushed stones”). Originally a trademark owned by its inventor, Edgar Hooley.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

asphalttarmacadammacadammacadamizemacadamiseblacktopbrickcementcobblestoneconcrete

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 5 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.