What is target? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of target in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of target

targetnoun

bia, mục tiêu, đích

/ˈtɑːɡɪt/

Definition & pronunciation of <strong>target</strong>

Where does the word target come from?

The word "target" originated from the Middle English word "targete," which is derived from the Old French word "tarjete," meaning "shield" or "buckler." This Old French word is thought to have come from the Latin words "targum," meaning "shield," and "targate," meaning "to defend." In the 12th century, the word "target" referred to a shield or buckler, often made of wood or metal, used for defense or as a symbol of office or authority. Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include other connotations, such as a mark or aim, often used in archery or marksmanship. Today, the word "target" has a broader range of applications, including business, marketing, and technology, where it refers to goals, objectives, or specific outcomes.

Vocabulary summary target

typenoun

meaningtarget)

exampletarget practice: target practice

meaningtarget, target (black & white)

exampleselected target

exampletarget area

meaning(railway industry) signal pole (placed at a turnout)

typeDefault

meaningtarget

Example of vocabulary targetnamespace

meaning

a result that you try to achieve

  • to meet/hit a target
  • The firm is on track to achieve its growth target for the year.
  • The university will reach its target of 5 000 students next September.
  • The department has missed its sales target for the third month running.
  • Set yourself targets that you can reasonably hope to achieve.
meaning

an object, a person or a place that people aim at when attacking

  • They attacked military and civilian targets.
  • Doors and windows are an easy target for burglars.
  • The children became the target for their father’s aggressive outbursts.
  • It's a prime target (= an obvious target) for terrorist attacks.
meaning

an object that people practise shooting at, especially a round board with circles on it

Synonyms and related words for target

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