Tao Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Est. 1828 Dictionary

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Tao

noun

ˈdau̇ ˈtau̇ 1 a : the unconditional and unknowable source and guiding principle of all reality as conceived by Taoists b : the process of nature by which all things change and which is to be followed for a life of harmony 2 often tao : the path of virtuous conduct as conceived by Confucians 3 often tao : the art or skill of doing something in harmony with the essential nature of the thing the Tao of archery

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) dào, literally, way

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler The first known use of Tao was in 1736 See more words from the same year

Rhymes for Tao

• bough
• brow
• chow
• ciao
• clow
• cow
• dao
• dow
• frau
• hao
• hau
• how

See All Rhymes for Tao

Browse Nearby Words

tanzanite Tao taoiseach See all Nearby Words

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“Tao.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Tao. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Tao

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Tao

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