1. stretched tight; not loose or slack
2. showing signs of nervous tension or stress
3. kept in good order; neat and efficient
Usage: often used of ships or organizations

Examples

• The rope was pulled taut between the two posts.
• Her face was taut with worry as she waited for news.
• The guitar string snapped because it was too taut.
• His muscles remained taut throughout the exercise.
• The captain ran a taut ship with strict discipline.
• She kept the canvas taut while he hammered in the stakes.
• The wire fence was stretched taut across the field.