dart

USAGE SUMMARY

"dart" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a light, pointed missile or a similar tool used in games, or to refer to a sudden, quick movement, such as a glance. For example, "She threw the dart at the target with pinpoint accuracy" or "His eyes darted around the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Schurrle made an excellent run to dart in behind centre-back and full-back and flick the ball into the bottom right-hand corner under pressure from Fauzi Ghoulam.

The Guardian - Sport

At Laura's Spice Farm we watched humming birds dart among the more recognisable sage, thyme, basil and aloe vera, but also the wonderfully named Jump Up and Kiss Me.

The Guardian - Travel

We're not sure what Grey Shirt & Tie is about – we wish we had a rock equivalent of Rap Genius to use today because we can't work out if this is a paean to something, a lament to lost youth, or a dart aimed at conformists.

The Guardian - Music

Many of us non-smokers never found that the pairing of big tobacco and cricket influenced our life choices but it's no stretch to say that others were pushed to the brand on account of its association with the game and perhaps even the fact that players themselves were walking billboards the minute they left the field and lit up a dart.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not small (77 rooms and suites), but feels intimate as you amble to one of the two restaurants for a light lunch before deciding to spend a hard afternoon lying in the sun, watching the hummingbirds dart through the greenery and wondering whether or not you can be bothered to go for another dip in the pool.

The Guardian - Travel

Thomas Muller was supposed to run over the ball and dart in behind the Algeria wall to, presumably, volley home a ball chipped over said wall.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

There are many other alternative scientific methods:– aerial/boat surveys; satellite telemetry; micro-dart skin biopsies, etc. that can now be used as to effectively study the health and conservation status of marine mammals populations without the need to kill them.

The Guardian

We predict with 80% confidence that at least 70% of you will enjoy it and we are 90% confident that at least 50% of you will beat our dart-throwing chimps.

The Economist

Managers' duty is, of course, to all shareholders.In any case, managers in aggregate are about as good at predicting share prices as dart-throwing simians.

The Economist

As Syrians wait and IS prepares to advance on Damascus, it is not clear which side of the egg-and-dart motif will prevail.

The Economist

The egg-and-dart motif became a stalwart of late-Georgian decoration, and the famous Palmyrene rose began to appear on the ceilings of many a grand English country house.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement, consider the context to determine if "dart" accurately conveys the speed and direction. For example, "dart" is great to describe birds or glances, because it is very short and precise.

Common error

While "dart" is versatile, avoid using it in overly formal writing where more precise verbs like "propel" or "launch" might be more appropriate. "Dart" generally implies spontaneity or informality.

Linguistic Context

The word "dart" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a pointed missile or a stitched fold in sewing. As a verb, it describes a sudden, rapid movement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dart" is a frequently used word with diverse applications. It functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting pointed objects and sudden movements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, while the examples highlight its use across news, science, and general writing. While suitable for most contexts, writers should consider using more precise alternatives in overly formal settings. Whether describing the flight of a hummingbird or a strategic plan, "dart" offers a concise and evocative way to communicate speed and intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dash

Implies a sudden and rapid movement, similar to the verb "dart".

bolt

Suggests a sudden, energetic burst of speed or movement.

darting glance

Specifically refers to a quick, fleeting look, like a "dart" of the eyes.

throw a dart

Specifically refers to the action of throwing a "dart" in the game.

hurl

To throw forcefully and rapidly, which is similar to throwing a "dart".

project

To cause to move forward, which can be related to launching a "dart".

missile

A projectile weapon, relating to the noun form of "dart".

javelin

A light spear thrown in a sport, resembling a larger "dart".

scheme

An underlying meaning of a "dart" as a plan of action.

fold

In sewing context, a "dart" is a stitched fold.

FAQs

How can I use "dart" in a sentence?

You can use "dart" as a verb to describe a sudden, quick movement, such as "The lizard "darted" across the path". As a noun, it refers to a pointed missile or a sewing technique, such as "He threw the "dart" at the board" or "The dressmaker added a "dart" to shape the garment".

What are some synonyms for "dart" when describing movement?

Alternatives to "dart" include "dash", "bolt", "scoot", and "streak". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "dart" or "darted"?

"Dart" is the base form, while "darted" is the past tense and past participle. Use "darted" when referring to an action that happened in the past: "The cat darted under the bed".

What is the difference between a "dart" and a "javelin"?

Both "dart" and "javelin" are projectiles, but a ""dart"" is smaller and typically thrown at a target for sport, while a "javelin" is larger and used in athletic competitions, thrown for distance.